KAMPALA, Oct. 28 (Xinhua) -- Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on Sunday explained the heavy deployment of troops in the capital Kampala and its suburbs.

Museveni in a State House statement said the military was deployed as a temporary measure as the government weeds out bad elements from the police force.

He said although the country's image internationally has been damaged because of the military's presence on the streets, the main intention of the deployment was to restore law and order.

"I commend them because the main aims of the government were achieved: to protect the lives of Ugandans and their property," Museveni said.

"The image of the country was somewhat affected. That, however, will be repaired. What is crucial is the country to be stable and not just to appear stable," he added.

In the recent past, there have been several operations by the military in the city, leading to the arrest of several senior police officers including former police chief Kale Kayihura.

They are now facing several charges in courts of law.