Security Agencies in Uganda have called on the public to ignore social media messages calling for nationwide mass protests against high cost of living in the country starting tommorow, saying they are illegitimate and unconstitutional.
Over the last few days, there have been social media messages circulating through videos, audio and text messages, instructing all members of the public to stay in their homes for 3 days, from the 25th to the 27th of July, 2022, as part of a protest campaign against inflation in the country.
The authors of the recordings in an aggressive tone, further issue threats of attack to persons, who are against their stay-at-home orders. After the 3 days, they claim their alleged protests will transition, into open street demonstrations and mass uprisings, to purposely cause change in government.
In a statement, Police spokesperson Fred Enanga reffered to the messages as “malicious propaganda” -a form of scare tactics by individuals and members of political groups from within Uganda and abroad, who are promoting hate, panic and fear, among Ugandans and visitors in the country.
Without mentioning the authors, Enanga noted that the same individuals used the same scare tactics in the aftermath of the 2021 General Elections but their ill intentioned plans were rejected by the public after realizing that the organizers were rallying support for street violence and civil uprisings for their selfish political advantages. This time, he said, they are using the surge in commodity and fuel prices to call for violence.
“We therefore, urge all Ugandans and visitors in the country, not to get swayed by the fear tactics, mongering and inflammatory rhetoric, by the selected individuals, political groups and sponsored bloggers” Enanga said.
“As the Joint Security Agencies, we want to reassure all Ugandans and visitors in the country, that we remain steadfast and committed, to protecting the lives and properties of each and everyone. Our task teams are ready to prevent, deter, stop and prosecute all perpetrators behind these scare tactics, aimed at causing violence and civil uprisings” The police spokesperson adds.
Police says the protesters should instead look for better ways of expressing their dissatisfaction about the economy, without fronting violence since many citizens have families to feed, have to go to work, pay taxes, children are in schools and they all deserve the right to go about their activities, without fear or intimidation.