In reference to media statements by Rtd. Col. Dr. Kiiza Besigye, of plans to hold a procession, tomorrow Monday 22nd Feb 2016 from Kasangati to The Electoral Commission head office to purportedly pick up his copy of the declaration of results form, the police wish to inform the general public that it has not received any formal communication from him of the intended procession as required under Section 5 of the Public Order Management Act 2013.
It is clearly stipulated under Section 4 of the Public Order Management Act that a procession is a public meeting and can only be held in accordance with the said Act. On the 8th of December 2015, the Government and the opposition agreed on a harmonized interpretation of the Public Order Management Act. Both parties agreed, among others that notice of a public meeting is mandatory and that the police retains its mandate under the constitution and other relevant laws to preserve law and order even when implementing the provisions of the Public Order Management Act.
In addition to the above, the planned procession coincides with the opening of the new school term and any procession will infringe on the collective rights of the parents and their school going children.
We therefore urge Dr. Kiiza Besigye to respect the law as well as the rights of the parents, their children and the travelling public.
Failure to comply will leave the police with no option but to use necessary means to maintain law and order in accordance with the Constitution.
