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The Leadership of the police has applauded to the NUP, to ensure their mobilisation activities, are held in very safe and secure settings. This will help the party and its delegates to exercise their constitutional rights peacefully, while upholding the rule of law. It also furthers our commitment to protecting the public, amidst the existing threats. Public safety is paramount for everyone (our families, neighbours and our businesses).
Uganda’s Police Spokesman Fred Enanga.
As you are all aware, the Kampala Metropolitan Area and other areas in the country, are characterised by heightened terror activities of the ADF. And given the nature of political mobilisation, where the NUP convoy moves at a slow pace, disrupting traffic and congestion, continued use of untrained guards, exposure at the top of the motor vehicle, amidst thousands of supporters, well wishers and onlookers, makes him an attractive and soft target for the terrorists.
We continue to guarantee our security to the safety of NUP leaders during town hall meetings, with restricted number of participants, who can be checked and secured by the police. And further urge them to work with the District Security Committee in advance, for thorough security planning. We remain committed to protecting the lives of all Ugandans and visitors, in the country.
We absolutely understand the concern of NUP supporters about these processions, but as the Joint Security Agencies, we are more concerned by terror threats, which would risk the safety of the NUP leader and his supporters. We are aware several NUP bloggers and propagandists are likely to release propaganda, in response to the police appeal and instruction.
SCP Enanga Fred
Police Spokesperson
11th September 2023
The warning comes after security discovered several bombs in Kampala.
The government accused the terrorist group, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), of planting bombs in different parts of the country.
Bobi Wine has vowed to continue holding rallies across Uganda, wondering why police are warning of terrorist threats after his party announced a countrywide mobilisation drive.
He claimed, without providing evidence, that the ruling government was using the threat of terror attacks to scare him away from holding political rallies.
In Luwero this past weekend, Bobi said his rallies would continue as planned and went ahead to hold his function in Hoima, western Uganda today.
However, Enanga said the terror threats are real.
“Some of our credible sources of intelligence are indicating that there is vulnerability, especially in the manner in which their NUP rallies are conducted,” added Enanga.
Police say because of the nature of the political mobilisation, where you find a convoy is moving at a snail pace and traffic is highly disrupted, there is congestion that has been built.
“Some of the party leaders are using local and untrained guards that aren’t highly skilled. Then some of them posture at the top of motor vehicles amidst thousands of supporters, well-wishers, and onlookers, which easily makes them soft targets for terror groups,” advised Enanga.
He further emphasised that public safety and order are paramount during any political activity and that collaboration between the NUP leadership and the police can help prevent potential disruptions and ensure that campaigns proceed peacefully and without incident.
“To that end, we urge the leadership of NUP to work closely with law enforcement agencies to guarantee the safety and security of all participants during their campaigns,” said Enanga.
“As joint security, we can guarantee their safety when they conduct their meetings in town halls and enclosed settings with a restricted number of participants who are checked and secured with very good access controls,” re-echoed Enanga.
Police urged the NUP leadership to work with the district security committee in advance for thorough security planning.