Political prisoners to be released

Press, 29 May 1981, Page 9

Political prisoners to be released

NZPA-Reuter Kampala The Ugandan President (Mr Milton Obote) said yesterday that 3000 political detainees would be freed immediately. In a speech to mark the first anniversary of his return from nine years exile in Tanzania, he also said that his Government would do everything to eliminate what he called terrorism from Uganda. He was speaking at a rally attended by thousands of supporters at the south-west town of Bushenyi. The speech was broadcast live on Radio Uganda. At a similar rally’ in Bushenyi in May last year Mr Obote kissed his native soil and started the campaign that led to the victory of his Uganda People’s Congress at elections in December.

Since the election guerrilla groups have started campaigns to overthrow Mr Obote, who urged Ugandan youths to go into the bush and seek out the guerrillas. “We certainly intend to do everything to remove terrorism from the face of Uganda.” ■ Mr Obote said those being freed were detained before his Government came to power. Most would probably be former members of Idi Amin’s forces jailed after his overthrow two years ago.

The 10.000 Tanzanian troops who remained in Uganda after the fall of Amin are due to be withdrawn by the end of next month and Ugandans fear more deterioration in security.

Mr Obote said the fledgling Uganda National Liberation Army must do its best to prove 'it was a fighting force. “In the task of reconciliation we shall follow moderate policies and allow every Ugandan to live in peace.” he said.

“We shall perform that duty without any discrimination as to tribe, religion or political beliefs.”