Uganda has imported armoured police cars, similar to those Kenya acquired at the end of January, ahead of its general election set for February 18.
The vehicles have features including water cannons, riot controls and wedged front plows.
A local media spotted them at G-section in the Port of Mombasa but Kenya Ports Authority officials declined to comment on the “sensitive” matter.
Uganda Consular General Tayebwa Katureebe said he has not received any information concerning the marked vehicles.
“I am not aware about police cars at the Port, but if they are there they are not meant for elections,” Katureebe said.
He noted that Uganda has been part of the war against terror for a long time, including joining the fight against al Shabaab in Somalia in 2007.
This year’s election pits Museveni, who is seeking to extend his 30-year rule, against longtime opposition leader Kizza Besigye and his ally-turned-rival, Amama Mbabazi.
Rights groups have accused the Uganda government of using state security to stifle criticism and intimidate Museveni’s rivals, charges the state denies.
