The Deputy Inspector General of Police in Uganda, Maj Gen Geoffrey Tumusiime Katsigazi, has issued a statement asserting that the Uganda Police Force, in coordination with other security agencies, stands fully prepared to address any potential violence stemming from activities associated with the National Unity Platform (NUP) and its leader, Robert Kyagulanyi, commonly known as Bobi Wine, along with his supporters.
In his statement released on Wednesday, Gen Katsigazi halted all NUP activities and emphasized the need for proactive measures to protect citizens and property, rather than waiting for towns and cities to deteriorate into chaos before responding.
He underlined the security forces’ determination to enforce the rule of law, working closely with relevant stakeholders, and assured that they would respond decisively to any form of incitement to violence that could escalate into civil unrest within the country.
“We are very robust plans to uphold the rule of law, in liaison with other stakeholders, and will respond appropriately, against all perpetrators of incitement to violence, that can lead to civil unrest throughout the country,” Gen Katsigazi said.
Bobi Wine and members of the NUP have been conducting nationwide tours to rally support and establish party offices, with the police and military providing security for these events.
Gen Katsigazi contended that Bobi Wine and the NUP have repeatedly violated the guidelines established for their activities.
These guidelines include the requirement to provide proof of venue owner permission, conduct gatherings in enclosed spaces, refrain from holding processions and demonstrations, and adhere to regulations related to public order management.
He cited incidents such as the alleged vandalism of a vehicle by NUP supporters in Mbarara and a fatal traffic accident in Hoima City as examples of the consequences resulting from these breaches.
“…we have noticed that, in all areas where the NUP mobilization activities have been carried out, there have been total breaches to the guidelines, thus causing public disorder, unnecessary traffic jams, loss of business, malicious damage to property…” Gen Katsigazi said. He cited examples of a Toyota Hiace UBD 251J which was allegedly vandalized by rowdy NUP supporters in Mbarara, and traffic accidents including a fatal one in Hoima City, on Monday this week, which claimed the life of Norman Mugisa and left 10 others injured.
“In view of the above blatant breaches of the guidelines, the activities of the NUP are immediately suspended. This announcement is a follow-up, to our communication of 12.09.2023, to the NUP leadership, halting the planned mobilization activities and opening of offices, until such a time that they are ready to comply with the guidelines and rule of law,” Gen Katsigazi said.
NUP’s spokesperson, Joel Ssenyonyi, issued a response, stating that they had already concluded the final rally of their initial phase of mobilization activities.
He further mentioned their intention to inform the police of their plans to resume activities in about two weeks, following meetings with the party’s diaspora supporters.