Police Warns Opposition Against Organizing Demonstrations In Kampala

As Uganda hosts the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the G77+ China summits, the Kampala Metropolitan Police has issued a warning to the Opposition against organizing demonstrations that could potentially disrupt traffic flow. Opposition leaders, part of the United Forces of Change consortium, had announced plans to protest poor road conditions by planting banana stems in potholes across the city.

Police, however, categorize such activities as illegal and emphasize their commitment to maintaining traffic flow on alternative routes used by the public during the summit period. The Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Spokesperson, Mr. Luke Owoyesigyire, stated that legal action would be taken against anyone found participating in these demonstrations.

The joint plan by Opposition leaders from parties such as the National Unity Platform (NUP), Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC), Democratic Party (DP), and Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) aimed to draw attention to the disparity between well-maintained roads used by NAM summit delegations and the dilapidated city outskirts.

Former Leader of Opposition, Ms. Winnie Kiiza, emphasized the dire condition of city roads and called on citizens to plant banana plants, yams, or potato veins in potholes on Thursday as part of their demonstration. The leaders expressed dissatisfaction with the nominated members of the Electoral Commission, alleging ties to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and President Museveni.

In response, Dr. Kizza Besigye, former FDC president, defended the right to demonstrate, citing constitutional provisions. Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago criticized the government for not addressing road issues until the arrival of summit guests, and NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi expressed disappointment in the negative impact of the NAM summit on locals.

The Opposition leaders also revealed plans for joint prayers in Iganga District on January 22 and Lira District on January 23, seeking divine intervention in their battle against perceived ‘bad’ governance and poor service delivery in the country.