Gaddafi killing was cowardly: Museveni

Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has described the killing of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi as a cowardly act by the country’s new rulers.

“Killing Gaddafi after his arrest was a cowardly act. Why kill him as if there was no rule of law? Those who killed him wanted to revenge,” Museveni said on Saturday during the memorial service for NRM freedom fighter Izodol Tiryomwe who died in 1984.

Gaddafi was fatally shot in the head and abdomen on October 20 following an eight-month running battle between his loyalists and National Transitional Council (NTC) fighters. (READ: Deposed Libya leader Gaddafi dead)

His convoy was attacked by Nato forces from the air before he was captured and dragged through the streets by rebel fighters who mocked him and eventually ended his life.

Gaddafi’s son, Muttassim, was also seen on video footage seated against a blood-spattered wall smoking a cigarette before he was shot dead.

The killings have sparked widespread revulsion forcing embarrassed members of the coalition of Western powers that topped Gaddafi to demand an investigation. (SEE IN PICTURES: Muammar Gaddafi)

Mr Museveni said the NTC has laid a poor foundation for Libya’s future by promoting revenge.

This is the first time Mr Museveni has spoken publicly about the death of his former ally.

The memorial service for the Ugandan freedom fighter was held at Kabale diocesan cathedral on Rushoroza Hill.

Mr Tiryomwe was reportedly murdered during the regime of Milton Obote in 1984 in Kikyusa, Luwero District.

One of the children of the fallen freedom fighter, Ms Pamela Ankunda, displayed the medal that was awarded to her late father recently.

“I want to thank all those that helped in hiding us in their homes after the arrest of our father. It was a big risk but I thank those that took the courage to keep us,” said Ms Ankunda.