As you are all aware, there were plans by activists and political groups to hold unlawful assemblies and processions, dubbed “Uganda’s economic protests”, to allegedly manifest discontent over the surge in commodity prices and fuel in the country. As the Joint Security Agencies, we warned the organisers and protesters that they would be arrested if they went ahead with the illegal protests. The current economic challenges are as a result of system shocks to the global economic system, after the effects of COVID-19 and the ongoing Ukraine War. At the global stage, several political, business and civil society leaders, continue to discuss solutions to the stagnating global growth, and rising inflation. We therefore, urge the organisers of these unlawful protests to instead participate in constructive economic reforms and policies for the country, other than engaging in provocative behaviour.
The development comes at a time when children are back for their term, I school holidays. Although we do respect the rights to holding peaceful protests and rights to freedom of speech, we however, do object to the tendency where intending participants and organisers, harass and intimidate residents and businessmen, who are not willing to join them. They also intentionally spread misinformation to incite and provoke members of the public. On the night of 7th – 8th, May, 8 suspects were arrested from Lungala and Bwaise, with materials for making petrol bombs. Upon further interrogations, on they indicated part of their plans as; burning motor vehicles parked at police stations, torching of government motor vehicles moving on the road, looting of shops and businesses that were open, blocking roads, provocation and confrontation of police, among others. 8 motor cycles were also recovered
Even this time, the organisers and perpetrators of the protest, carried out mobilisations on various social media platforms without adhering to the provisions of Section 5, of the POMA. They still have a duty to inform the police about the date, time, details of organisers, location and consent of the venue owners, number of persons expected and purpose of the meeting etc.
We therefore, urge all workers, the business and transport sector to avoid being manipulated through fear and intimidation. We want to applaud the business communities like KACITA -U, the Bodaboda Associations, the Taxi Industry as well as Political Leaders, who denounced the protests.
We shall continue using our powers and discretion in policing to detect and prevent crime, maintain law and order. All our territorial commanders have been tasked to use lawful and reasonable force to disperse and disrupt the unlawful assemblies.
SCP Enanga Fred
Police Spokesperson
8th May 2023
