The Police and the army have fortified their presence in Kampala, a day to the planned anti -corruption march to parliament.
As part of the preparations, the two security agencies have taken over junctions and roundabouts to the city centre as a tactical deployment for the protests.
For example, in Busega, along the Kampala-Masaka highway, the roundabout has been taken over and at Nateete traffic lights, a police patrol truck and a sizeable number of military personnel are visible.
This is the same sight on junctions and roundabouts on all roads leading to the city centre.
At the Constitutional Square, the grounds have been turned into barracks of sort, with tents erected by security personnel an indication that they are have braced for what is to come.
In Bwaise, joint security teams of the army and police surrounded the opposition National Unity Platform headquarters, where the party was set to hold a press briefing.
Commenting about the deployment, Police spokesperson, Kituuma Rusoke said they don’t want to give chance to protesters to cause havoc.
“We have deployed extraordinarily because we have a security concern. Whenever we get reliable intelligence that certain activities are likely to subvert order, we heighten our deployments and it is what we have done,” Kituuma said.
He also commented about the deployment at the National Unity Platform headquarters that he said is precautionary.
“NUP called upon MPs and councilors to come and attend a press conference which is fine. However, the party also called upon all pressure grounds and all supporters in the country to come and attend the same press conference at Kavule. If you are going to call all supporters of NUP in a small and crowded plot of land, we certainly have to heighten measures and taken note of concerns of the rights of others.”
“The longer you fail to recognize the rights of others, the long it will take you to enjoy your own. You need to balance the equation and understand that you don’t have absolute rights, you need to factor in other people , interests and coordinates with security regime on ground.”
In his Saturday address to the country, President Museveni warned the organisers of the planned protest against playing with fire.
"We are busy producing wealth and you here want to disturb us. You are playing with fire because we cannot allow you to disturb us," he said.
However, despite these warning, the organisers of the march have dragged feet on canceling it, insisting it will happen.
They say it is within their right to protest peacefully.
"Our resolve remains unwavering, and our message must be conveyed with clarity. We assert our right to peaceful demonstration, and no amount of intimidation or threats will deter us. The march will proceed as planned, undaunted by any attempts to obstruct our cause," said Shamim Nambasa, a participant and former Makerere University guild president.
