Police Suspends NUP Mobilization Activities over Non-compliance

Police has suspended National Unity Platform (NUP) mobilization activities indefinitely over non-complainance.

In a letter dated 13 September, 2023, the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Maj. Gen Tumusiime Katsigazi has suspended NUP activities untill the party and it's leadership are "complaint and law abiding."

Last month, Police under its mandate to regulate public meetings under section 32(1), of the Police Act, granted permission to NUP, to conduct nationwide mobilization activities and official opening of party offices.

Apparently, additional guidelines on the proper conduct of the activities, were also given, which included proof of permission from owners of venues, gatherings in town halls or appropriately enclosed areas, prohibition of processions, demonstrations, unregulated rallies, acts of incitement to violence, or other public order management violations.

However, police has noted that in all areas where the NUP mobilization activities have been carried out, there have been total breaches to the guidelines, causing public disorder, unnecessary traffic jams, loss of business, malicious damage to property and in some cases loss of lives. 

For instance in Mbarara City, NUP supporters reportedly vandalized a Toyota Hiace, under reg. no. UBD 251J, caused traffic accidents, including a fatal one in Hoima City on Monday where a one, Mugisa Norman died and 10 others got serious injuries. 

"In view of the above blatant breaches of the guidelines, the activities of the NUP are immediately suspended," Gen Katsigazi said in a statement. 

"We are sending this strong message, that our country, Uganda, will not wait for its villages, towns, Urban centers and cities to burn, before taking action to protect its citizens and property," he said. 

"We are going to put an end to the mob mentality, bullying and intimidating tactics of NUP radicals, against innocent civilians and Law enforcers."

In Kasana-Luweero District, police notes that the mobilization activity, was used to incite violence, promote sectarianism, make illegitimate calls for the removal of an elected government, and issuance of defamatory statements against the person of the President.