The Uganda Police Force (UPF) has again halted the countrywide tours of National Unity Platform (NUP) tours citing failure to respect law and order.
In a letter addressed to the NUP’s Secretary General, signed by the Police Spokesperson, ACP Kituuma Rusoke on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, it has highlighted the failure to meet the set guidelines which were drafted and agreed upon but NUP has deliberately refused to walk by them.
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“A set of guidelines was drafted and agreed upon but NUP has renegaded on this position as evidenced by the processions held yesterday November 14, 2024 in Buikwe district where Traffic and road safety regulations were wantonly violated,” the Police’s letter partly reads, adding;
“As mandated by law therefore, to preserve public order, the UPF halts the NUP countrywide mobilization tours until such a time when the rule of law can be respected. This has come as a result of the failure and/or neglect by NUP to adhere to the mutually agreed upon guidelines, traffic regulations and public order.”
Kituuma said that they have engaged in multiple meetings with NUP leadership to establish guidelines on the mobilization tours across the country, the meetings which were aimed at ensuring that NUP’s activities were conducted in a manner that respects law and order, regard for citizens engaged in their private businesses, travels, and the general enjoyment of personal and public liberties.
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In his response, the NUP Secretary General, David Lewis Rubongoya said they were surprised that Police was again halting their countrywide tours even when they have labored to adhere to whatever guidelines they set, even those they considered very unfair.
“For instance, they decided that we must use very long routes, instead of the highways. Perhaps they thought we wouldn’t find people in those remote areas, but the people have proved them wrong at every turn. Each time our activities gain momentum, they must come up with any reason to stop them, while other political actors, especially those linked to the regime continue to do their activities including processions unhindered. We condemn these double standards in the strongest terms. We shall communicate the next step in due course!”
