The Security Joint Task Force overseeing president Yoweri Museveni’s inauguration has warned that anyone planning parallel ceremonies should also prepare to face charges of treason.
In a joint statement released on Monday, Uganda Police spokesperson Fred Enanga said any judicial officer, media/journalists or anyone involved in parallel inauguration activities “will face the consequences” because it is illegal.
Without being specific on individuals, Enanga said an opposition politician who lost a presidential election is rallying his supporters for a parallel swear-in ceremony in Iganga, Eastern Uganda, ahead of President Yoweri Museveni’s inauguration tomorrow.
“The Joint Task Force is aware of plans by Former Presidential Candidate, who lost the recent Presidential Election, to hold a parallel and illegitimate swearing-in ceremony, in one of the Hotels in Iganga. The Candidate continues together with some of his supporters to declare himself as the President-Elect. We want to remind him and his supporters that the voices of the electorate were clearly heard. He is therefore, not the legitimate or duly Elected President of the People of Uganda. As a potential leader, we urge him to play his politics with full respect for the rule of law” Enanga stated.
“We know that such Kangaroo inaugurations are not uncommon with runners up in the previous Presidential Elections. It simply remains symbolic without the accompanying entitlements and privileges of a legitimate Head of State” he added.
President Museveni was announced winner of the highly contested January presidential election beating the opposition National Unity Platform candidate Robert Kyagulanyi who came in second position. However, Kyagulanyi maintains his vote was stolen and he says he is the legitimate president of Uganda.
Museveni, who has been in power since 1986 will be sworn in tomorrow Wednesday 12th May at Kololo Independence Grounds extending his stay in power to 40 years.
On the eve of the inauguration ceremony, there is heightened security especially in the capital Kampala. The military has also been deployed around Kyagulanyi’s home in Wakiso and around former opposition leader Dr Kiiza Besigye’s home.
Sources have confirmed that Kyagulanyi was out of his home when the military was deployed but later came and entered. Sources also affirmed that he is not allowed to get out. However, Dr Besigye was abroad at the time of deployment.
“Therefore, any judicial officer, organiser and or media house that will participate in covering the illegitimate parallel swearing-in in Iganga or any other place, should prepare to face the consequences. Such acts of impunity must stop in exchange for rule of law. It is illegal and treasonous” Enanga’s statement concludes.
Ahead of the president’s inauguration, government has also declared 12th May, 2021 a public holiday. Government officials have been urging citizens to stay home since attendance to the ceremony has been limited to only invited guests.
On the other hand, NUP today announced that Wednesday will be a day of prayer and fasting. At a press conference held at NUP party offices in Kamwokya, Joel Senyonyi who is also the party spokesperson disputed allegations that Kyagulanyi is planning a parallel inauguration ceremony. He said all party leaders have been invited to the prayers at the party offices.
Senyonyi said NUP is a serious party that pursues a legitimate take-over of power and trashed the inauguration talk. He said the heightened security confirms that Museveni’s “alleged victory” is not legitimate.