Police Warn #March2Parliament Demonstration Organisers
The Uganda Police Force (UPF) has issued a warning to organizers of the #March2Parliament demonstration, stating that their actions amount to “incitement” of “violence”, which is against the law. The demonstration, which is being popularised on social media, by especially Ugandans living in developed countries like the USA, aims to march to parliament on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.
The police spokesperson, Kituuma Rusoke stated in a statement via his X formerly Twitter handle, on Monday, that the force is aware of the ongoing mobilization efforts on social media, but the organizers have not provided clear details about the time and organizational aspects of the demonstration.
“Uganda police is reliably informed of ongoing mobilization efforts on social media calling for people to march to parliament,” Kituuma said, “unidentified organizers have circulated placards urging people to gather on all Kampala streets…but the time of commencement and organizational details are unclear.”
The police spokesperson then warned against proceeding with the march due to the lack of transparency and the potential for disorder.
“Given the lack of transparency and potential for disorder, the police strongly warn against proceedings with this match,” said Kituuma.
The Minister of Internal Affairs, General Kahinda Otafiire, had recently urged the youth to stand up and end bad leadership during the 29th graduation ceremony at Kampala International University.
“Tell us [leaders] sorry, enough is enough you have to stop here,” Otafiire said, “do not allow people to tell you, we are stealing on your behalf. Leaders do not steal; we do not elect leaders to steal.”
However, the police are cautioning against attempts to incite violence or breach public order through uncontrolled demonstrations.
“Uganda Police is issuing a clear warning against attempts to incite violence or breach public order through uncontrolled demonstrations.”
The police are emphasizing their commitment to respect “peaceful protest”, but not ready to tolerate attempts to “incite public disorder.”
They are urging persons who wish to exercise their rights, such as the right to assembly and demonstrate, to work collaboratively with the police to ensure that they do not “aid persons with ulterior motives to hijack these expressions to accomplish criminal intentions.”
The police are calling on the organizers to provide clear details about the demonstration and to work with them to ensure a peaceful and orderly protest.
They are warning that failure to comply with this request may result in legal action and that the police are committed to maintaining public order and safety, and they will take all necessary measures to prevent any attempts to incite violence or breach public order.