Police, NUP Leadership Strike Deal To Resume Nationwide Mobilization Tours
The Uganda Police Force and the National Unity Platform (NUP) leadership have reached a consensus on resuming NUP’s nationwide mobilization tours. This follows a meeting at Police Headquarters on July 11, 2024, where both parties agreed on resolutions to ensure safety and compliance with traffic regulations.
The meeting reviewed the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident on May 31, 2024, which resulted in the deaths of three people and injuries to two others. CCTV footage showed “overloading, reckless driving, and speeding” by NUP supporters.
The police presented evidence of the driver involved in the accident, Lule Fred, who was arrested and charged with multiple counts, including “reckless driving and causing death through reckless driving”, according to a statement issued by Police undersigned by Deputy Police Spokesperson, Nabakka S. Claire.
Those charged at Nsangi Police station, according to police were drivers of UBF 701X Toyota Harrier, UBJ 398E Toyota Harrier, UAZ 435W Toyota Wish, UAW 701Q Toyota Hiace, UBL 516D Toyota Super Custom, and UBE 195V Toyota Harrier.
Others are UBK 388K Toyota Noah, UBQ 839D Toyota Hulux, UAY 312Z Toyota Land cruiser, UBQ O80F Canter, UBJ 452B Toyota Premio, UAZ 316V Toyota Noah, UAJ 777T Toyota Prado, UDL 415V Toyota Hiace, UBE 423F Subaru Forester and UAV 289B Toyota Prado.
This was confirmed by Joel Ssenyonyi, the Leader of Opposition in Parliament (LoP) and NUP spokesperson in his brief to the media, shortly after they met with police alongside, the party’s Secretary General, David Lewis Lubongoya.
“We halted our nationwide tour programmes to meet with police which we have done. They have spoken about the death of people,” Ssenyonyi said but vehemently denied any wrongdoing on NUP’s part.
“Police attempted to connect these people’s deaths to us, but we rejected it because we had never invited any of the people who were coming to join us some of whom got into accidents. But we have recommitted ourselves to be law-abiding and peaceful citizens.” Ssennyonyi added.
It was indicated in the Police’s statement that the meeting agreed on several resolutions to prevent similar incidents in the future. These include stopping the practice of carrying people on motor vehicle rooftops, overloading, and overspeeding.
Additionally, the meeting resolved that moving in convoys of many motor vehicles and motorcycles from Kampala to upcountry locations would no longer be allowed.
Harassing or provoking security personnel while on their lawful duties, Police told NUP leaders, “must also stop,” otherwise, leaders “will be held responsible.”
The police emphasized their constitutional mandate to protect life and property and appealed to the public to observe law and order. The NUP leadership was urged to take responsibility and prevail over the conduct of their members.
The meeting also resolved that regulating traffic is the mandate of the traffic police, and all road users should comply with traffic regulations. In this, it was asserted that “persons not mandated to regulate traffic must stop.”
According to the statement, the police will continue to engage with NUP leadership and other political parties and organizations to ensure safety and accountability during nationwide mobilization tours.
This deal paves the way for NUP to resume its tours, ensuring a safer and more orderly environment for all. Accordingly, the NUP has issued its 5-day tour programme, which starts on July 15th, 2024 in the Bundibugyo district.
It all remains a guess on whether both parties will respect their commitments.