Police said they have received information about radical elements who plan to block roads and use petrol bombs to disrupt president Yoweri Museveni’s inauguration slated for next week.
The assertion is in a statement issued by the Uganda Police Force as an update on security preparations ahead of president Museveni’s swearing in ceremony set to be held on Wednesday May 12, 2021 at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala.
“At this stage, we want to inform the public that there are no specific threats directed towards the swearing in ceremony, although, we anticipate disruptive activities, such as the use of petrol bombs, acts of sabotage, blocking roads, burning tyres and other disruptive activities.” Uganda Police Spokesperson CP Fred Enanga said on Monday.
However, Enanga said Joint intelligence components have picked this piece of information, and continue to gather information surrounding the would be perpetrators.
Without being specific, Enanga said security agents are also monitoring some of “the disgruntled supporters” who continue with their usual rhetoric of threats to violence and have since established that most the threats do not pose any serious risk of violence.
Enanga stated that security for inauguration day was planned for in the security master plan for policing the 2021 general elections, to ensure the pre-swearing, swearing-in and post events, take place in a very safe and secure manner. He said, the master plan was drawn by Joint Security Task Force with contingencies and counter- response plans, against any threats and vulnerabilities
“In addition, our Joint Operation Command Centers across the country, are fully alert, with the relevant intelligence, operative and investigative components; operating 24/7. They are closely monitoring a wide-range of potential threats especially acts of domestic extremism, external influence, radical behavior and closely monitoring all our border areas and crossing points, especially in West Nile region.” he stated.
Due to security reasons, Enanga said he won’t go into the specific details, but security agencies are more than prepared to do anything within their means to maintain law and order.
Last week, the UPDF spokesperson, Brig Gen. Flavia Byekwaso said there is a group of people fanning violence ahead of the presidential swearing-in by printing and pinning posters and placards denouncing the planned swearing in ceremony.
Brig Gen. Byekwaso also displayed posters written on “Museveni Tajja Kulayira” which loosely translates as “Museveni will not swear-in” and warned that the perpetrators will be dealt with accordingly.
“These people think they can achieve their objectives through different ways and means. Intelligence has picked information to this effect. Any person who stands in the path of peace and stability of this country becomes an enemy of the country and shall therefore be dealt with decisively, “Byekwaso said.
According to the minister for Presidency, Hon Esther Mbayo, 4042 people have been invited to attend Museveni’s 6th inauguration and at-least 21 Heads of State have already confirmed attendance.
The list of invited guests mainly include legislators, NRM party leaders and 10 former presidential candidates who lost to Museveni in the hotly contested January 2021 election.