Police Ban National Unity Platform’s (NUP) Mobilization Campaign Tours

In a significant development, the Ugandan Police Force has issued a directive to halt the ongoing mobilization tours organized by the National Unity Platform (NUP), led by its president, Robert Kyagulanyi. The decision comes in the wake of concerns over the conduct and content of these rallies.

The directive, issued by the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Maj Gen Geoffrey Katsigazi Tumusiime, cites specific instances during Kyagulanyi’s rally in Kasana, Luweero, where he is alleged to have used inflammatory language to incite violence, promote sectarianism, and make illegitimate calls for the removal of the elected government. Furthermore, defamatory statements against the President were mentioned as a cause for concern.

During the announcement of the directive, Police spokesperson Fred Enanga emphasized the suspension of the ongoing NUP mobilization tours. The decision was primarily prompted by Kyagulanyi’s alleged promotion of sectarianism and calls for the government’s removal, which were deemed instigating and a potential trigger for action.

The Deputy Inspector General of Police also highlighted that Kyagulanyi and his NUP supporters had disregarded a number of guidelines provided by the police. Instances of public disorder, unnecessary traffic jams, business disruptions, malicious property damage, and vandalism reportedly resulted from these rallies.

The Police asserted their mandate to uphold the rule of law in collaboration with other stakeholders. They emphasized their commitment to respond appropriately to any incitement to violence that could potentially lead to civil unrest in the country.

Notably, earlier this week, the Police had also issued warnings about the vulnerability of Kyagulanyi’s rallies to potential terrorist attacks, emphasizing the need for heightened security measures.