The Uganda Police Force (UPF) has issued a stern warning to the organizers of a planned Anti-corruption match by a section of Ugandans dubbed “Match to Parliament” and slated for 23rd July 2024, saying it is illegal.
During the weekly press briefing at police headquarters at Naguru, UPF spokesperson ACP Rusoke Kituuma said the police strongly warns members of the public against proceeding with this march given the lack of transparency from the side of the organizers, and has potential to cause disorder.
The mobilization majorly on social media is driven by Anti-corruption activists who are protesting the high levels of corruption in the country but particularly in parliament. More like the ongoing protests in Kenya messages on social media describe the engineers of the march to parliament as tribeless, partyless and fearless.
Bellow is a copy of a statement from the police spokesperson:
Uganda Police is reliably informed of ongoing mobilization efforts on social media calling for people to march to parliament. Unidentified organizers have circulated placards urging people to gather on all Kampala streets on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 but the time of commencement and organizational details are unclear.
Given the lack of transparency and potential for disorder, the police strongly warn against proceeding with this match.
Uganda Police Force is issuing a clear warning against attempts to incite violence or breach public order through uncontrolled demonstrations.
The right to a peaceful protest will be respected, but police will not tolerate attempts to incite public disorder.
UPF urges persons who wish to exercise their rights such as the right to assembly and demonstrate to always work collaboratively with it to ensure that they don’t aid persons of ulterior motives to hijack these expressions to accomplish criminal intentions.
