The Uganda Police Force has issued a stern warning to the leadership of the National Unity Platform (NUP), cautioning them against defying a directive that halted their nationwide mobilization tours. The announcement came in response to NUP's determination to continue their activities despite the order to cease.
Police spokesperson Fred Enanga addressed the media on Monday, reiterating that the directive suspending NUP's mobilization tours remains in effect and that any defiance will result in legal consequences. Enanga emphasized the police's commitment to maintaining public safety and ensuring that Ugandans and visitors can enjoy a secure environment.
"They have defiantly continued to say and show that they will proceed with the second phase of the mobilization tours, but we have to inform them that as police, we are ready to ensure anyone who defies our directive is dealt with," Enanga stated. "We will not rest until those who want to use violence and lawlessness are brought to justice in this country."
Last week, the police accused NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, of exploiting the mobilization tours to promote sectarianism. Security forces claimed that Kyagulanyi used one of the rallies to incite violence, promote sectarianism, make illegitimate calls for the removal of an elected government, and issue defamatory statements against President Museveni.
They further alleged that NUP had disregarded established security guidelines, leading to property damage and, in some cases, loss of lives during the rallies. In response, Kyagulanyi defended the legality of the mobilization tours and described the directive to stop them as illegal.
"To obey them would be to betray and commit an offense against our people," he asserted.
However, the police spokesperson countered Kyagulanyi's claims by revealing that intelligence information had suggested NUP's intent to incite confrontations with the police during the first phase of the mobilization tours.
Enanga stated, "We had evidence that they were determined to confront police to create ugly scenes that would lead to the disruption of processions and pose risks to the public. They had deployed their cameramen to capture these ugly scenes involving police and NUP. Our officers exercised restraint and avoided confrontations with NUP that would have led to negative propaganda."
Enanga concluded by warning of possible mass demonstrations planned by NUP in January of the following year, vowing that these too would be thwarted.
"We anticipate protest events and mass demonstrations planned for January, but we are ready to arrest ring leaders. We call upon Ugandans and visitors to stand in solidarity with the law and reject these behaviors associated with NUP."
The standoff between NUP and the police appears to be intensifying, raising concerns about political tensions and civil liberties in Uganda. The situation continues to develop, with citizens and international observers closely monitoring the evolving political landscape.
