By Robert Segawa
Security has been significantly heightened across Kampala, particularly in response to calls by the leadership of the National Unity Platform (NUP) for gatherings at their headquarters in Kavule. The police, alongside other sister security agencies, have deployed extensively throughout various parts of the city, including NUP offices, junctions, roads leading into the central business district, and strategic areas such as slums.
The heightened deployment comes after NUP leaders urged their supporters, MPs, and other leaders to convene at their relatively small headquarters in densely populated Kavule. Concurrently, other youth groups were reportedly mobilizing to occupy streets across Kampala, a move swiftly prohibited by law enforcement.
Addressing the media, Police Spokesperson Kituma Rusoke cited intelligence reports prompting the preemptive deployment to prevent potential outbreaks of violence. “We have received credible information about mobilization efforts and had to deploy to preempt any violent incidents,” Rusoke stated.
In a related development, Rusoke confirmed the arrest of Members of Parliament Hon. Francis Zaake and Hon. Tebandeke from the NUP offices. He indicated that more details would follow as reports come in from the ground.
Rusoke emphasized that the deployment also serves as an early warning to youth groups planning a march to Parliament on the 23rd of March to protest against corruption. “We had previously warned the organizers on July 15th, and subsequently engaged with four identified leaders to understand their plans,” Rusoke explained. He highlighted that while the right to assembly is recognized, the organizers had not fulfilled the necessary procedures to collaborate with law enforcement.
The increased security measures underscore tensions and concerns over public gatherings and demonstrations in Kampala, reflecting ongoing political and social dynamics in Uganda’s capital city.
