The Uganda Police have unearthed dubious plans by the National Unity Platform (NUP) to cause unlawful demonstrations and chaos in the major cities and towns across the country.
“As the Joint Security Agencies, we have obtained credible information about plans by NUP to reactivate their structures through various mobilization drives in cities and major towns to cause acts of disorder and lawlessness in the country. This development comes at a time when the county has been very peaceful,” reads the police website.
Police have therefore sent a strong warning against the processions planned by NUP to avoid such acts as they are against the law and have informed the public that the response teams are on standby to thwart any unlawful gatherings in the cities and towns.
“We therefore call upon the NUP leadership to avoid such clandestine methods of work and instead use legitimate means to achieve their objectives.” SCP Fred Enanga, the police spokesperson said.
“All our response teams are on standby and will respond swiftly, targeting the ring leaders and perpetrators of violence involved. This is to ensure that the rights of other Ugandans to life, property, peace, and safety are not disrupted,” SCP Enanga continued.
Unlike the NRM, FDC, and DP, the red camp has been on the spot several times for making unlawful demonstrations and protests leading to destruction of property and consequential arrests, which defy the Public Order Management Act.
“We also encourage them to emulate the other political parties like the FDC, NRM, and DP that have continued to work within the provisions of the POMA and in harmony with the police,” the statement continued.
The Public Order Management Act 2013 sets out the process by which public meetings must be organized and held. Organizers have to submit a notice of and information about a meeting or assembly to the police between three and 15 days before a public meeting.