Did President Museveni just blame peace for increased crime in Uganda?

Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni on Friday said kidnappers in the country are taking advantage of the prevailing peace to carry out their crimes.

Speaking in an interview with a local news outlet, the New Vision, the President also put the blame on the citizens for failing to be on the lookout for these criminals due to the continued peace in the country.

“The kidnappers are taking advantage of the fact that people are not worried about insecurity and the country has been enjoying peace for a long time,” he said, giving an example of the recent kidnappings in sections Kampala and its outskirts.

In the past few months, Kampala has been dogged by reports of kidnapping, with at least eight cases reported between January and February 2018.

President Museveni has assured Ugandans that the kidnappers will be arrested, and urged them to be alert at all times.

“If we are alert, we can smash these people,” he said. “These criminals in town need the public to be more vigilant. If one becomes suspicious, you need to report the matter.”