Police and sister security agencies have issued a directive to opposition politicians, urging them to abandon their planned initiatives, which they claim could lead to disorder in the country during the ongoing Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and G77+ China summits in Kampala.
This decision was made following a joint gathering on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, involving selected opposition politicians and change agents affiliated with their pressure group known as “Forces of Transformation.” In this meeting, they unveiled intentions to organize gatherings and nationwide political demonstrations as a means of advocating for change in government.
According to law enforcement, such intentions are deemed unacceptable and unlawful, particularly given the current hosting of a high-profile international event in the country.
In an official statement, police spokesperson Fred Enanga identified key coordinators of these demonstrations as Col (Rtd) Dr. Kiiza Besigye of the FDC Katonga faction, NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, and others.
However, Enanga emphasized that similar declarations were made last year, resulting in the apprehension and charging of a few violent protesters who, under the guise of peaceful demonstrations, engaged in criminal acts.
“The alleged peaceful demonstrations claimed by the perennial actors have never been peaceful. They do not coordinate with the police to ensure the smooth conduct of their public meetings and processions. They have always hijacked the constitutional right to assemble to instead engage in violent criminal acts,” he stated.
“They also cause disruption of public safety by looting property from roadside shops, disrupting traffic, vandalizing vehicles and buildings, damaging roads (through burning of tires), pelting police officers, and hurling Molotovs (petrol bombs) at them, and other violent acts,” he added.
In response to these developments, the police and sister security agencies declared their commitment to supporting and safeguarding all constitutionally protected activities and civil rights in the country. They asserted that they will not permit any activities with the potential for violence, including unlawful assemblies.
“Therefore, any violent acts committed in any part of the country, under the guise of peaceful protests, shall be swiftly disrupted, investigated, perpetrators arrested, and charged to court,” authorities warned.
The public has been urged to assist security by identifying individuals actively mobilizing and instigating violence within their communities and report them to the National Operations Command Centre.
