By Mukembo Wilfred
The Uganda Police Force and the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) have reached a consensus on seven key guidelines that must be adhered to for the party to resume its nationwide mobilization tour starting next week.
The agreement followed a closed-door meeting between top NUP leaders, led by Secretary General Lewis Rubongoya, and police chiefs at the police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala. The discussions centered on the constitutional right to hold political tours while addressing concerns raised by the police regarding potential security risks.
Among the agreed-upon guidelines, which aim to ensure public safety and order, are prohibitions on carrying people on vehicle rooftops, avoidance of excess passengers in vehicles, and strict adherence to speed limits. Additionally, large convoys of motor vehicles and motorcycles traveling from Kampala to upcountry locations are not permitted.
Both parties also emphasized the cessation of actions that may provoke or harass security personnel performing their lawful duties. The NUP leadership was urged to take responsibility for the conduct of its members during public gatherings; failure to do so would result in accountability measures.
Deputy Police Spokesperson Claire Nabakka highlighted the legal basis for these guidelines, citing Article 212 of the Constitution, which mandates the police to protect life and property, and Section 32(1)(b) of the Police Act, empowering the police to regulate assemblies and processions.
“The tragic incident on May 31, 2024, at St Lawrence Maya along the Kampala-Masaka highway underscored the importance of these guidelines,” Nabakka stated. The fatal accident during an NUP procession resulted in three fatalities and two serious injuries, prompting the suspension of NUP’s activities by the police.
During the meeting, CCTV footage of the May 31 procession was reviewed, revealing multiple infractions including vehicle overloading, reckless driving practices, and instances of vehicles carrying passengers on rooftops. The collision involved a Toyota Hiace, registration number UBH 691Q, which was part of a rowdy convoy that collided with several motorcycles, leading to tragic consequences.
Nabakka reiterated the police’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all road users and maintaining public order during political activities. She appealed to the public to abide by traffic regulations and cooperate with law enforcement to prevent further incidents.
“We shall continue to engage not only with NUP but also with other political parties and organizations to foster responsible conduct and uphold public safety,” Nabakka affirmed.
The forthcoming implementation of these guidelines marks a pivotal step towards mitigating risks associated with political processions and promoting peaceful coexistence within Uganda’s democratic landscape.
