Police has said the arrest of National Unity Platform’s Robert Kyagulanyi also known as Bobi Wine and Forum for Democratic Change’s Patrick Amuriat was inevitable.
The statements came shortly after teargas, bullets and arrests characterized the last day of presidential nominations as Kyagulanyi and Amuriat were both arrested either prior to their nomination or immediately after nomination.
However, in a statement, police defended their actions as being inevitable to restore law and order.
Police also condemned campaign tactics reportedly used by opposition presidential candidates.
Police spokesperson, Fred Enanga, said the Electoral Commission issued very clear guidelines prohibiting all forms of processions and assemblies, to guard against the spread of COVID-19.
He explained that they had to use force after Amuriat blatantly defied the traffic flow plan agreed upon in which he led a delegation of over 2000 supporters in total disregard of set SOPs.
Enanga noted that Kyagulanyi was also intercepted as he had similar plans of holding illegal processions from Kyambogo to Kamwokya NUP Headquarters.
He has advised these to adopt better and safe campaign strategies.
“We strongly condemn the tactics used by the two opposition figures, since such acts of defiance only bring greater violence such as lawlessness and violence against Law Enforcement Personnel and other Ugandans. It also encourages the spread of the coronavirus,” he said
He urged all individual actors and groups that intend to use political processions and unregulated rallies, to show their level of broad public support should stop and instead adopt better campaign strategies in line with the Electoral Commission and Ministry of Health guidelines against COVID-19.
He however thanked all the other presidential candidates who complied fully with the Electoral Commission and Ministry of Health guidelines.
“Amuriat blatantly defied the traffic flow plan agreed upon from his home in Najjera to Kyambogo. He instead opted to proceed to Najjanankumbi to lead a delegation of over 2000 supporters in total disregard of the Electoral and Health SOPs. He, however, was safely transported to Kyambogo,” police spokesperson, Fred Enanga.
The Police spokesperson noted that whereas Kyagulanyi had initially cooperated with security as he proceeded for his nomination, he later refused to heed to directives prompting his arrest.
“After his successful nomination, he had similar plans of holding illegal processions from Kyambogo to Kamwokya NUP Headquarters which we countered due to its negative impact on the flow of traffic, public safety and public order. He was forcefully removed from his vehicle, and a fracas ensued in the process of transferring him to the Police vehicle,” Enanga said of the day that ended in tears for Kyagulanyi.
The police spokesperson said during the fracas, three security personnel and four civilians were injured whereas two vehicles were damaged in the process.