In a statement released by the Deputy Police Spokesperson, Claire Nabakka, the Uganda Police Force has clarified the outcomes of a meeting held on Monday with the National Unity Platform (NUP).
Contrary to NUP members’ claims that they would continue their activities while awaiting police guidance on specific routes, the police advised the party to officially notify the Inspector General of Police (IGP) of their activities well in advance. This notification would enable an early response and the commencement of their activities.
The meeting, chaired by the head of operations at the police, Frank Mwesigwa, resolved several key points. The NUP leadership was advised to write officially to the IGP early enough to allow the Uganda Police Force (UPF) management to reply in time, copying their letters to the Territorial Commanders.
Additionally, the District Security Committee will assess the security of the venue, environs, and the routes intended for use by NUP members before any meetings. This assessment will involve coordination with town clerks, who grant permission for venue usage, and the NUP Liaison Officer to agree on an appropriate venue where police can effectively provide security.
Furthermore, the NUP leadership is expected to provide a liaison officer to coordinate with Police Headquarters and Unit Commanders regarding preparations and security concerns for their activities. The meeting also urged the NUP leadership to address the issue of their members wearing military insignia, which is against the law, warning that individuals found culpable will be dealt with accordingly.
The NUP Secretary General Lewis Rubongoya said on Monday that they raised the issue of confiscation and arrest of supporters wearing overalls and berets to police, notifying them that their outfits are not property of security agencies.
Regarding the alleged confiscation of NUP items by security forces, it was agreed that the Director of Operations would follow up on the matter and provide further communication. Additionally, for NUP members arrested for acts contravening the law, the meeting concluded that the NUP Liaison Officer should always contact the police for follow-up.
According to the NUP program, their second phase of tours are expected to continue this week in Mukono, Masaka, on Tuesday and Wednesday . Then Kyotera and Bukomansimbi. Speaking on the sidelines of the meeting on Monday, Joel Ssenyonyi, the Leader of Opposition in Parliament, confirmed that the meeting concluded with an agreement not to halt or ban the party’s activities, as they are within the legal framework. However, he noted that the police leadership indicated they would organize specific routes for the NUP leaders during their mobilization tours.
“They told us that they will get back to us in about an hour for any kind of guidance, but the idea of banning our activities has no place in the law, and we agreed on that. They said if there is a particular concern or route they want us to follow, they will communicate with us, and we have no problem with that. So Mukono is happening as scheduled tomorrow while we await their communication. The most important thing is that our activities continue,” Ssenyonyi told journalists.
Among the NUP members who attended the meeting were Chief mobiliser Fred Nyanzi, NUP senior counsel Medard Ssegona, Secretary General Lewis Rubongoya, Deputy President Zedriga and others.
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