As you are all aware, there are existing laws under the penal Code Act, and Section 5 of the POMA, which regulate unlawful assemblies, riots and other offences against public tranquillity. Section 5 of the POMA clearly stipulates that every organiser of a public meeting should notify police, 3 days in advance. In addition, they have a duty to furnish the police with their traffic assembly plan, provide a sufficient number of stewards, number of persons expected, purpose of the meeting, location and consent of the venue owner among others.
In Otuke District, the District Security Committee blocked an emergency meeting, that was poorly planned on the 20.04.2023, at Acan Primary School, Olilim sub-county, in Otuke district. The Committee had also picked credible intelligence on how the meeting would transition into a demonstration, over the continued land conflicts between Otuke and Agago districts, and concerns over cattle raids by the Karamoja warriors. The team advised the Chief organiser, Hon Odongo DK, the chairperson LC5, Alebtong district, to wait for the Minister of Defence on the 27.04.2023, who would handle the matters on insecurity. Eight suspects who include; Ogwal Lameck, a 37 year old, District Speaker- Otuke; Opio Sam Alucy, a 48 year old resident of Adwongibutu cell, Opio Omara Jasper, District Councillor, Otuke Town Council; Apenyo Isaac, a 46 year old, chairman LC3, Omoro sub-county, Alebtong district, Ojom David, a 43 year old, Chairman LC3, Amugu sub-county Alebtong district; Opila Richard, a 30 year old, Youth councillor, Otuke district, Ogwang Francis, a 49 year old Chairman LC3 Adwir Subcounty, Alebtong district and Otyama Francis, a 35 year old, Chairman LC3 Olilim sub-county in Otuke district. Efforts are in place to record a statement from the Chief organiser, Hon Odongo DK, as well. All the suspects were released on police bond and the file submitted to the RSA, for legal guidance.
The second incident of unlawful assembly was registered in Buvuma, after one of the organisers, defied the guidelines from the district security committee, which had resolved that the Women’s Day celebrations slated for the 19.04.2023, be postponed, following disagreements between the chairperson Buvuma Women Council, a one Nakyobe Betty and the Woman MP Buvuma district, Hon. Nakaziba Suzan. To purposely enable the two parties to harmonise on the venue and invitees including the Guest of Honor. It was therefore, resolved that the celebrations be stopped until further notice.
Surprisingly, the Hon. Nakaziba Suzan (NUP) defined the guidelines and tried to hold the celebrations at Kyanja, Bweema sub-county. She was blocked for failure to comply with the guidelines from the Ministry of Gender, the district Women’s council, the CAO and RDC. Four suspects who include; Onyango Gad Daniel alias Opondo, Kalumba Rodgers, Matovu Steven and Ssentamu Henry were arrested. Their casefile was submitted to the RSA for legal guidance.
SCP Enanga Fred
Police Spokesperson
24th April 2023
