By Izidoro Twinamasiko
KAMPALA
The Democratic Party (DP), through its acting spokesperson and UYD President, Kiirya Ismail, has announced key party meetings and strongly condemned recent police actions against opposition parties.
In a press release issued today, the DP Secretary General, through the acting party spokesperson, confirmed that two critical party organs, the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the National Council (NC) will convene on March 5-6 and March 7, respectively, at May 7 Gardens in Soroti.
Beyond internal party affairs, the DP has condemned what it calls unprofessional police operations targeting opposition parties. The party criticized a recent police raid on an opposition office in Kavule over allegations of military training. While acknowledging the police’s right to conduct searches, DP leaders questioned the force’s methods, particularly breaking into premises without notifying party officials. “If a registered political party is suspected of wrongdoing, security should surround the premises, call in the leaders, and conduct the search transparently” the statement read.
The DP also raised concerns over the use of masked and plainclothes officers carrying AK-47s, calling it a tactic that raises doubts about the legality of police operations. “if the search is legal and all the personels are legal, why cover their faces with masks, some are in plain clothes carrying AK 47, that act also makes us question the legality of the act” Kiirya Ismail said.
“The party has now called on Inspector General of Police Byakagaba to clarify why his officers conduct operations in secrecy and often without identification. “We request the IGP, Afande Byakagaba, to explain to the public why his officers are always in plain clothes during operations, why they do not want to be identified, and why they prefer breaking into political party premises when leaders are absent,’ the statement further reads.”
As the DP prepares for internal leadership discussions,Ugandans await the outcomes of the cooperation agreement review and the IGP’s response.
