On Monday, the police revealed that it had received intelligence reports of planned protests by a group claiming it wanted to fail the swearing-in of President-elect Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
In a statement, Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigire warned that those who take part in the said protests would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
According to his statement, the protests were slated to begin on Tuesday, 9 March 2021.
Ug Mirror exposes the group that has been calling for the protests with posters saying “M7 Tajja Kulayira”
Museveni Tajja Kulayira posters Pinned by Time Is Now pressure group in different parts of the country
Recently an external pressure group called Time Is Now issued a statement claiming that it will block Museveni’s swearing in come May 12. This group which has links with seasoned civil society organisations in developed countries is working with civil rights activists within the country to coordinate their activities.
Unlike usual letters and Manila papers used by other groups to sensitize Ugandans, Time Is Now uses A3 printed posters similar to those used by many members of parliament during the just concluded campaigns. Their posters were found pinned in different parts of the country including Kampala, Wakiso, Masaka, and Rakai. The posters bear the message inviting Ugandans to join nationwide protests while telling Ugandans that “M7 Tajja Kulayira” which is loosely translated as “ M7 will not swear in”
It’s not yet clear where the group gets the posters but after intelligence organisations infiltrated Nasser which is famous for printing such materials, rumours have it that Time Is Now posters are either printed in Kenya or South Africa by partner organisations of the group. It’s said that the group has close allies in one of the neighbouring countries.
According to their Facebook page and recent statements, the group claims that Bobi Wine is the rightful winner of the January polls and it is working to defend the victory of Ugandans.
The leadership of Time Is Now remains a mystery but it is said it’s coordinated by a former parliamentary candidate who had earlier picked nominations and announced his presidential aspirations subscribing to the Green New Deal .
It is not clear whether the group is linked to Bobi Wine but on Tuesday the former presidential candidate announced peaceful protests.
“we beat Gen. Museveni with 54.19% but he went on to declare himself! We are now back to the PEOPLE OF UGANDA,” Bobi Wine said while presenting Declaration of Result forms that he claims show he won the presidential elections.
Medard Ssegoona, the lead lawyer in his petition challenging the poll on Tuesday tweeted “Time is now” raising speculation that the two could be linked.