Police cancels NUP planned tour of Eastern Uganda

Kampala July 25—Police have cancelled the planned opposition National Unity Platform, NUP, mobilisation campaign tour of Eastern Uganda that was due to start on Friday.

The mobilisation campaign tour, during which NUP had planned to open up regional offices, was to cover districts of Bugweri, Pallisa and Soroti. Police now want a review meeting with NUP leadership on August 8 2024 for new guidelines.

A letter dated 23rd July 2024 addressed to NUP Secretary General, signed by Mwesigwa Frank PSC (R), for the Inspector General of Police and copied to Regional Police Commanders of Busoga East, Bukedi North and East Kyoga, Police accused the Opposition NUP of violating several guidelines agreed upon between the two parties, NUP and Police, during their meeting on July 11th. 2024 at the Police headquarters, Nagulu.

The letter cited an incident on July 15th 2024, between Fort Portal and Bundibugyo, a Toyota Hiace passenger vehicle

was seen carrying people on its rooftop, violating traffic laws. Other violations by NUP police pointed out include, on July 16th 2024 on Ishaka-Bushenyi road, NUP held a procession and its leader, was seen greeting people in the middle of the road and one vehicle was seen with passengers seated in the car windows; On the same day in Bushenyi NUP supporters in red overalls were seen directing and controlling traffic which violates traffic laws; On the same day, on Kizinda-Ishaka road, a driver in a Toyota Wish vehicle, was seen driving while dancing and opening the driver’s door which interferes with safe driving, and on July 18th 2024, at Ntungamo Fuelex Petrol Station, NUP supporters were seen gathered beside the Highway causing disruption to traffic flow and inconveniencing other road users.

Though controlling traffic is the responsibility of the traffic police and panelise individuals violating the traffic laws, the Inspector General of Police concluded his letter to NUP saying that due to the violations observed, “ The Police leadership has decided to halt the upcoming public meetings organised by NUP in the districts of Bugweri, Pallisa and Soroti” and invited the NUP leadership for an engagement meeting on 8th August 2024 at 10.00am at the Police headquarters.