Park Yard market adjacent to the more famous Owino market in Kampala was on Monday razed on the orders of the city authorities, reportedly to enable Nakivubo stadium to reclaim its land for redevelopment.

As debate rages regarding the merits and demerits of the move, the involvement of stick-wielding men in what should have been a straightforward law and order matter must not be swept under the carpet.

The goons appear to have been drawn into action by the arrival of Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, some Kampala area MPs and KCCA councillors at the scene as the eviction unfolded.

The unidentified youths in plain clothes engaged in running battles with the politicians during which injuries were sustained and property destroyed. All the while, the police kept a good distance, looking on.

There has always been a strong argument for removing this market, which is not gazetted, lacks basic sanitary facilities and stands on land that belongs to a public sports facility. However, the manner in which the eviction was conducted leaves a lot to be desired. 

Nicknamed Kiboko Squad, stick-wielding goons first came to light a couple of years ago, emerging from Central police station Kampala to disperse a politically charged crowd. On that occasion, as on Monday, the police feigned ignorance of these people’s role and identity.

Over the years, it has become common to see men wielding sticks working alongside the police to control irate crowds, especially during political protests. The continued involvement of these actors in what should ordinarily be police work defeats the whole purpose of keeping law and order.

The tacit approval by the police points to a state of lawlessness. The police are officially entrusted with the noble duty of maintaining law and order. They don’t need the help of stick-wielding youths to do their job, the feeble denials notwithstanding.

The police can only effectively distance themselves from this mess by indentifying and arresting these men. If the policemen who were caught on camera beating up Dr Kizza Besigye’s supporters could be publically shamed, why not this group?