Police suspend NUP mobilization tour again

Police have against ordered the suspension of the National Unity Platform's (NUP) ongoing countrywide mobilization tours, alleging that the party has violated previously agreed-upon guidelines.

In a November, 15  letter addressed to NUP's Secretary General, Police spokesperson,  Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Kituuma Rusoke  stated that the decision was made to preserve public order.

According to the letter, police  had engaged in multiple meetings with NUP officials to establish guidelines for conducting the tours.

The police explained that these guidelines were designed to ensure that NUP’s activities respect the rule of law, public order, and the rights of citizens.

Police  say  NUP has reneged on these agreements, with recent events in Buikwe District on November 14, 2024, cited as evidence.

"As mandated by law, to preserve public order, the UPF halts the NUP countrywide mobilization tours until such a time when the rule of law can be respected," stated  Rusoke, describing the decision as a result of what he termed NUP’s “failure and/or neglect” to follow agreed guidelines and public safety measures.

NUP Secretary General Lewis Rubongoya condemned  police’s decision, describing it as another act of suppression against the opposition party’s peaceful activities. Rubongoya argued that NUP has consistently adhered to the guidelines set by the police, even when they seemed "very unfair."

Rubongoya highlighted specific restrictions that NUP complied with, such as using long, indirect routes instead of highways.

"Perhaps they thought we wouldn't find people in those remote areas, but the people have proved them wrong at every turn," Rubongoya noted, adding that each time their activities gain traction, the authorities find a reason to intervene.

He also criticized police  for what he called double standards, claiming that other political actors, particularly those associated with government, continue to hold public activities, including processions, without interference.

"We condemn these double standards in the strongest terms," he stated, pledging that NUP would soon communicate its next course of action.

The police’s decision to halt NUP’s mobilization tours adds to the growing tension between opposition parties and security agencies in Uganda.

NUP, led by Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), has repeatedly accused the authorities of stifling their political activities and curtailing democratic freedoms, while the government maintains that measures are necessary to ensure public order and safety.

NUP leaders led by their president, Kyagulanyi Ssentamu have been on a countrywide tour visiting places like Soroti, Buikwe, and we're now headed to Nakasongola among other places.

In each of these places visited Kyagulanyi and his team have been received by huge crowds but have not happened not without security interference.