Police have issued a stern caution to Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, the President of the National Unity Platform (NUP) ahead of the Party’s planned nationwide tour to launch offices.
The NUP principal last week announced plans to open various offices across the country starting with Mbarara City on August 28, 2023, followed by Fortportal, Kasese, Kabale among others.
Addressing the press on Monday, Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga revealed that police commanders in regions where Kyagulanyi plans to carry out his mobilization activities have been placed on high alert. They are directed to ensure that NUP’s leadership collaborates closely with law enforcement to ensure the orderly execution of their initiatives.
He says territorial commanders in the 12 regions of Rwizi (Mbarara), Rwenzori West (Fortportal), Rwenzori East (Kasese), Kigezi (Kabale), Busoga East (Iganga), Bukedi South (Tororo), Elgon (Mbale), East Kyoga (Soroti), North Kyoga (Lira), Aswa West (Gulu), Savannah (Luwero), and West Nile (Arua) with the NUP officials to ensure a smooth conduct of the planned activities.
Enanga highlighted that political parties are not prohibited from conducting their activities, but they are required to disclose the precise locations of activities conducted outside their party premises. He says the disclosure serves as a precautionary measure due to past incidents involving vandalism, accidents, and disturbances. Organizers are now expected to provide evidence of permission from venue owners to host events.
The police spokesperson outlined specific directives for NUP’s mobilization activities including venue restrictions where activities are to be confined to town halls and other enclosed spaces that can be more easily secured. Enanga says open assemblies and rallies are not permitted because they disrupt the public.
He says the police should be informed in advance of any meetings or events, as their ability to provide security hinges on this prior notice. Enanga adds that organizers are expected to adhere to stipulated procedures, including the development of traffic flow plans and the presence of an adequate number of stewards.
“Therefore, proof of permission from owners of the venues to be used outside, the NUP facilities, no open rallies, activities restricted to Town Halls and other appropriately enclosed areas, harmonized security arrangements for the activities with the District Security Committees, no processions, demonstrations or incitement to violence or any activity that may lead to Public Order Management violations. In otherwards, they should liaise with the respective territorial commanders in advance for proper security planning of their activities.” he stresses
Enanga noted that although certain provisions of the Police Act were nullified by the court, the police retain the authority to regulate public meetings and rallies under the Public Order Management Act.
The police spokesperson says should organizers fail to comply with the requirements outlined in this act, the joint security team will respond within the bounds of law and appropriateness.