The police have issued a directive prohibiting the ongoing mobilization tours conducted by Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, the president of the National Unity Platform (NUP).
This directive was communicated by Deputy Inspector General of Police, Maj Gen Geoffrey Katsigazi Tumusiime, who stated that Kyagulanyi and his NUP supporters have consistently failed to adhere to the guidelines provided by the police.
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Maj Gen Katsigazi emphasized that while the right to peaceful assembly and expression is respected, the NUP’s mobilization activities have consistently violated the prescribed guidelines in all the areas where they have taken place.
The police have expressed concerns about the vulnerability of these rallies to terrorist attacks due to the open spaces in which they are held and the use of inadequately trained personnel as security guards, which jeopardizes the safety of participants and onlookers.
The police spokesperson, Fred Enanga, urged the NUP leadership to conduct their mobilization tours in a safer manner by holding meetings in town halls and closed venues with limited attendees who can be thoroughly screened.
In the statement, it was noted that Kyagulanyi’s mobilization tours have led to chaos, traffic jams, business disruptions, property damage, and even fatal accidents in various parts of the country where they have taken place. The police cited incidents such as the vandalism of a Toyota Hiace in Mbarara City and a fatal accident in Hoima City.
Furthermore, the deputy IGP accused Kyagulanyi of using one of the rallies in Luweero to incite violence, promote sectarianism, call for the removal of an elected government, and make defamatory statements against President Museveni.
In response to these breaches of guidelines, the police have suspended the activities of the NUP immediately. This suspension follows a previous communication to the NUP leadership to halt their planned mobilization activities and office openings until they are willing to comply with the guidelines and the rule of law.
The police assert their commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety of citizens and property in Uganda. They also emphasize that Uganda is one of the safest countries in the region and will remain so, provided that all parties adhere to the law.
The directive to suspend NUP activities will remain in effect until the party demonstrates compliance with the guidelines and the law.
Earlier, Bobi Wine had accused security forces of using bomb threats as a means to obstruct their mobilization tours, and police announced an investigation into sectarian remarks made by Kyagulanyi during a rally in Luweero.
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