By Leonard Kamugisha Akida and Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu,
KAMPALA
The police has suspended with immediate effect the ongoing nationwide mobilization campaign activities of the National Unity Platform (NUP) political party over breach of guidelines.
The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP), Maj. Gen. Katsigazi Tumusiime said they have noticed with great concern total breach of guidelines in all areas where NUP officials and supporters lead by party president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi Wine have held their activities.
“We have noticed that in all areas where the NUP activities have been carried, there have been total breaches to the guidelines, this causing public disorder, unnecessary traffic jam, loss of businesses, and malicious damage to property,” said DIGP Tumusiime
Police accuse NUP president Kyagulanyi of using the mobilization to incite violence, promote sectarianism, make illegitimate calls to remove the elected government as well as issuing of defamatory statements against the person of President Museveni.
Besides, the police halted opening of NUP offices across the country.
It should be recalled that during their first day of nationwide tour in Mbarara, rowdy NUP supporters allegedly vandalized a Toyota Hiace registration number UBD 251J motor vehicle. Also, on September 11, one person identified as Norman Mugisha died and more than 10 victims were injured during the NUP convoy.
According to police, this is due to misconduct of the organizers of these campaigns such as failure to adhere to the set guidelines like prohibition of processions, possession of proof of permission from owners of venues where the guidelines were to take place.
Addressing journalists on Wednesday, the police Spokesperson SCP Fred Enanga said the ban is still on until such a time when NUP leaders are ready to comply with the guidelines and rule of law.
NUP spokesperson, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi however, said the announcement comes out when the party is done with the first phase of the nationwide mobilization campaigns.
“Our first phase of the nationwide mobilization campaigns ended with Arua City. We’re headed to our Diaspora convention in Canada and thereafter a roadmap for the second nationwide mobilization campaigns will be issued out!” Ssenyonyi said
