A supporter of Ugandan musician turned politician Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, carries his poster as they protest on a street against the arrest of Kyagulanyi during his presidential rally in Kampala, Uganda, on November 18, 2020. (BADRU KATUMBA / AFP)

KAMPALA - The Ugandan military on Thursday beefed up security in the capital Kampala and major towns after violent protests erupted on Wednesday leaving three people dead and 34 others injured.

Brig. Flavia Byekwaso, military spokesperson, told Xinhua by telephone that the soldiers have been deployed to prevent possible escalation of protests after the arrest of opposition presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi over flouting the COVID-19 campaign guidelines.

Brig. Flavia Byekwaso, military spokesperson, told Xinhua by telephone that the soldiers have been deployed to prevent possible escalation of protests after the arrest of opposition presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi

Kyagulanyi's Wednesday arrest sparked off sporadic protests in some parts of the east African country.

"The deployment today is to beef up the security. We saw what happened yesterday (Wednesday). So we have to strengthen," said Byekwaso on Thursday.

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"We have to show more presence in the city to make sure that what happened yesterday doesn't come up again. But also to give assurance to Ugandans that the situation is under control such that they can come back to work," she added.

Judith Nabakooba, minister of ICT and national guidance, in a statement issued here urged the public especially the youth to stay away from any form of rioting.

"Starting fires in the middle of the road, looting, attacking others because of their political ideology is wrong and should be condemned by everyone. I call upon the public to cooperate with the police in identifying the suspects behind these unfortunate incidences," the minister said.

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Nabakooba said that the number of those injured or killed could continue to grow if you take into account the countrywide incidences.

Uganda's Electoral Commission earlier this month cleared 11 presidential candidates, including incumbent President Yoweri Museveni to run in the 2021 general elections.

The electoral body urged candidates to follow the strict guidelines in preventing the spread of the coronavirus.

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