Uganda police urged to halt attacks on peaceful protesters

 London, 24 April – (ANA) - The Ugandan government must immediately end the excessive use of force against protestors, Amnesty International said today, after police fired live rounds at crowds of protesters in different parts of the country reportedly killing a child.

 Five people have been killed in Uganda since the protests, sparked by a rise in fuel prices and the cost of living, began on 11 April.

 “The police have a duty to protect themselves and uphold the law, but it is completely unacceptable to fire live ammunition at peaceful protesters,” said Michelle Kagari, Amnesty International’s Africa Deputy Director.

 “They must now investigate these deaths immediately in a thorough, independent and effective manner.” (ANA)

FA/ANA/24 April 2011----------