- Uganda’s Internal Affairs Minister, Gen Kahinda Otafiire, has declared the end of the tear gas era, stating that government resources should be redirected toward purchasing medicine rather than suppressing citizens.
- Known for his unfiltered stance within the ruling NRM, Otafiire also cautioned his party against meddling in opposition politics, reinforcing his reputation as a candid voice within government circles.
The Minister of Internal Affairs, Maj. Gen Kahinda Otafiire, declared that the time for using tear gas against Ugandans is behind. As the Minister, he sees no point in spending money on tear gas, preferring instead to allocate those funds for purchasing medicine for hospitals.
The General urged Ugandans, particularly the youth, to ignore misguided advice from foreign entities, especially from the West, which frequently encourages them to fight for their so-called freedoms.
Otafiire argued that when young people protest, they imitate behaviors influenced by those inciting them, such as destroying infrastructure like homes, buses, roads, and vandalizing various properties.
He emphasized that while foreign nations have plenty of such resources, those in Uganda should be aware that these things are financed through loans, placing the repayment burden squarely on their shoulders.
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In addition, the General advised his ruling party, the NRM, to refrain from attacking or interfering in the matters of other political parties. He noted that this behavior is prevalent within the party led by Museveni.
“As the Minister for Internal Affairs, I will not purchase tear gas for Ugandans. That era is over; I’d prefer to invest in medicine. Additionally, I want to caution Ugandans who follow foreign agents’ advice to protest for their alleged freedoms while ending up destroying and vandalizing infrastructure. Those countries have abundance, while here, you’re still in debt, meaning the responsibility will ultimately fall back to you,” stated the former bush war hero.
Gen Otafiire has often received praise from many Ugandans, especially those feeling discontent, for his candidness towards power.
Even though he is one of the founding members of the NRA/NRM regime, he has repeatedly criticized the government when he perceives it to be in the wrong. This stance has led him to confront numerous government supporters and defenders.
