President Yoweri Museveni believes the opposition are a problem to themselves after some political parties stayed away from the IPOD dialogue in Munyonyo Speke Resort in Kampala.

President Museveni was responding to issues raised by DP President Nobert Mao and JEEMA’s Asuman Basalirwa on freedom to associate.

The President said: “I have been accused of threatening to wipe out the opposition. Truth is, they are in danger of wiping out themselves because of miscalculation and leaving the NRM to offer solutions to all problems. As long as they oppose what Ugandans see as beneficial, they cause their own defeat.”

President Museveni explained: “On the issue of torture, we are against it. I spoke to the soldiers who were caught on video beating up people. I have given them guidelines but I urge political players to be disciplined.”

And revealed: “We also take issue at times with motive and message of these gatherings. We will not accept political actors who purport to use constitutional means to engage when actually they have another leg in unconstitutional arrangements. That we shall not allow.”

On political rallies, President Museveni noted: “What we take issue with is politicians assembling in markets and disrupting people’s businesses.”