The Uganda Police Force called for a meeting with officials from the the National Unity Platform (NUP) over their grievences in a protest petition dated May 23, 2024, regarding alleged illegal obstruction of their activities.
In a press briefing held on Friday, the police spokesperson, representing a statement by Mwesigwa Frank, the Director of Operations for the Inspector General of Police, announced an invitation to the National Unity Platform (NUP) for an engagement with police leadership.
The meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 27, 2024, at 10:00 AM in the Main Board room at police headquarters in Naguru.
This followed an incident on Thursday, where NUP members led by the Leader of Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi, Secretary General Lewis Rubongoya, Deputy Dr Lina Zedriga Waru, deputy stormed the police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala with a petition, alleging harsh and unfair treatment by the police force on them and their supporters.
Ssenyonyi alleged that despite the party officially writing in advance to the office of the IGP, informing of their second phase of the countywide mobilization tour, the same force interrupted their activities in Kamuli.
Ssenyonyi said the letter was presented and received with a police sign and stamp. The petition also addressed incidents of violence against NUP members during mobilization campaigns, with concerns over teargassing and blockades.
Ssenyonyi insisted that they are determined to continue its mobilization campaigns, because the are operating within the law and plan to visit Pallisa, Tororo, and other districts in the coming days.
In response to the letter, the police has not mentioned that the NUP had officially written to them to have activities running.
According to Fred Enanga, the police spokesman, prior to their second phase of activities, they officially wrote to the NUP informing them to provide a comprehensive program and schedule of activities, proof of permission from venue owners, and ensure measures for public safety and health. Additionally, they were instructed to liaise with police commanders and district security committees to harmonize security arrangements.
Enanga expalined that in their communication to police, they advised the party aganist holding open rallies, processions, protests or inciting violence as these go aganist what is required of parties during such consultations.
Enanga also quoted Article 29 of the Constitution that recognizes freedom of assembly,but not to prejudice the rights of others or public interest He noted that their duty to maintain public safety and order during assemblies and processions.
“We wish to reiterate that as the Uganda Police force, we are cognizant of the fact that Article 29 of the Constitution recognizes freedom of conscience, movement, assembly and association and also the provisions of Article 45, of the Constitution which clearly states that in enjoyment of these rights and other rights, no person should prejudice the human rights and freedoms of others or the public interest.” he said
The police letter to the NUP was dated 20th March, 2024 under ref OPS/175/219/01.
He also mentioned Articles 211 and 212, of the Ugandan constitution that gives police the mandate to protect life, property and to preserve law and order in society.
He further emphasized that Section 4, of the Police Act cap 303 gives police the mandate to ensure public safety and order.
Adding that : “Section 32 (1)(b) of the Police Act also provides that police have the power to direct the conduct of assemblies and processions on public roads or streets or at places of public resort and the route by which and the times at which any processions may pass The provisions of section 3 of the Public Order Management Act also provides Police with the power to regulate the conduct of the public, rallies and as you may be aware this section was not annulled by the Constitutional Court.”
Enanga meanwhile dismissed allegations that NUP is specifically targeted and restricted from mobilizing and organizing itself. He said the party has remained adamant to adhere to communications citing another letter dated September 13th, 2023, addressed to them.
“But unlike other political parties and pressure groups, that have remained law abiding, the NUP continues to blatantly breach the police guidelines .” He said
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