Ugandan MPs 'beaten by troops'

The MPs say they were flogged for five minutes

Four Ugandan MPs say they were whipped with bamboo sticks by soldiers as they travelled to meet their constituents to discuss the constitution.

The opposition politicians say they intended to discuss contents of a white paper, which proposes to lift the two-term limit on the presidency.

Such a move would allow President Yoweri Museveni to run again in 2006.

One of the MPs told the BBC that he had 18 bruises from cane strokes all over his body.

Army investigation

Politician Latigo Morris told the BBC's Will Ross that troops blocked him and his colleagues from attending a meeting on Monday in Pader district, about 300km (185 miles) north of the capital, Kampala.

"The second-in-command who confronted us said he had orders from above that you will not meet here," he said.

"[He said] if you don't leave freely, we're going to use mechanical means to force you. Then he ordered the soldiers nearby who came in with sticks and beat us."

He was travelling with colleagues Odonga Otto, Reagan Okumu and Nyeko Ocula.

"I have been counting 18 bruises of strokes all over my body. My leg is hurting and my (car) windscreen was shattered," Mr Otto said.

"They flogged us for five minutes," he told Reuters news agency.

The army has said it is investigating the allegations.

"We must establish exactly what happened and find out who pushed who," military spokesman Major Shaban Bantariza told the BBC.

Some MPs have opposed moves to change the constitution which would allow President Museveni to run for a third term.

MPs who supported the move were recently given 5 million shillings (almost $3,000).

Two thirds of MP's will need to vote for the amendment if it is to be passed by parliament.

Another proposal in the white paper would allow the government to carry out the compulsory purchase of land for investors.

Mr Morris told the BBC this has caused some anxiety in northern Uganda - especially as most people are not living on their land but are forced to live in camps due to the 18-year conflict between the rebel Lord's Resistance Army and government troops.

A limited government ceasefire with the LRA runs out on Tuesday.