President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed the national armed forces and police to immediately cease the practice of caning civilians, particularly during arrests and crowd-control operations, saying the method is unacceptable and outdated.
In his end-of-year message, the President said he does not support the use of batons or sticks against lawbreakers, even though such tactics are employed by some police forces around the world.
“Some police forces around the world do it using batons. I, however, reject it. It must stop,” Museveni said.
He added that corporal punishment, once common in schools and homes, was misguided and should not be replicated by state security agencies.
“Teachers and parents used to cane us, but it was the wrong method,” the President said.
Museveni advised the police to instead rely on non-lethal and legally accepted methods such as teargas and water cannons, but cautioned that even these must be used carefully to avoid harming innocent bystanders.
“The police should use non-lethal methods, such as tear gas, more carefully ensuring bystanders are at a safe distance before deployment,” he said.
The President further emphasised that the deployment of crowd-control measures must be systematic and preceded by clear communication to the public.
“The police should be much more methodical, if they are to use teargas or water cannons or other non-lethal techniques, by for instance using loudspeakers to warn people and give them time to pull away,” Museveni added.
The directive comes amid ongoing public debate over the conduct of security forces during political gatherings and protests, with human rights groups repeatedly raising concerns about the use of excessive force.
Museveni said the guidance is aimed at promoting professionalism within the security forces while safeguarding the rights and safety of civilians.