Police Wednesday warned supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) party against engaging in any unlawful assemblies or processions to welcome their leader, Mr Robert Kyagulanyi, better known as Bobi Wine who returns from his international mobilisation tours in Canada and South Africa.
Police said Wednesday that the NUP leaders, particularly those representing Kampala Metropolitan constituencies, have mobilised people from across the country to gather at Entebbe International Airport and along Entebbe Road, as well as all other roads leading to Bobi Wine’s residence in Magere, Wakiso.
According to security intelligence information, these plan to stage a mega welcome fete for Mr Kyagulanyi as a way of congratulating him for the successful mobilisation tours he has conducted both in Uganda and abroad for the last month.
“The Joint Security Agencies have received credible intelligence indicating that a group of political activists, associated with the National Unity Platform (NUP), are currently organizing and mobilizing members of the public for an event planned at Entebbe International Airport on October 5, 2023, to welcome back NUP President, Hon. Robert Kyagulanyi, who is returning from abroad,” Mr Patrick Onyango, the KMP Spokesperson said in a statement.
“It has come to our attention that the organizers of this event intend to conduct a procession starting from Entebbe International Airport and proceeding through several areas, including Kitoro, Katabi, Kitala, Kitende, Kajjansi, Lubowa, the Central Business District (CBD), Kalerwe, and finally up to Magere, Kasangati,” he added.
According to Mr Onyango, such a procession has the potential to disrupt the normal flow of traffic, the movement of individuals, and the operations of businesses along the Entebbe – Gayaza highway.
“It may also attract criminal activities, posing risks to bystanders, motorists, passengers, and businesses through acts of theft or other criminal activities.”
Onyango therefore urged the organizers to cancel their planned procession and advised that “In future, we encourage organizers to coordinate and seek the necessary approvals from the Police to ensure the safety and security of all participants and the general public.”
NUP Leaders speak out
MP David Sserukenya, (Makindye Ssabagabo) who is one of the leaders of the opposition NUP in Kampala has urged people not to view the welcome fete from a political angle, stating that it is entirely a welcome back fete.
Hon Aloysius Mukasa, (Rubaga South) on his social media page asked all individuals who would be part of the fete to be calm, respectful, and follow security guidance from the police, expected to be on standby to maintain law and order.
However, Mr. Onyango in his statement indicated that any unlawful procession would be dealt with according to the law.
“The Security Agencies will take all necessary measures to ensure that individuals involved in illegal activities are arrested and brought before the courts of law,” Onyango stated.
“We reiterate our commitment to working alongside the public to prevent any illegal actions and maintain the safety and security of our communities.”
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