Police ready to stop Kenya-like protests in Kampala
Enanga stated that police will be compelled not to allow any such unlawful assemblies to occur because they have to protect other Ugandans and enable them to go about their daily activities.
Uganda Police has called on those planning to hold protests in the capital Kampala to strictly go through the provisions of the Public Order Management Act before holding any illegal protests.
Following the ongoing protests in Kenya led by former presidential candidate Raila Amolo Odinga, there’s a certain group that is carrying out similar plans to protest in the central business part of Kampala and Wakiso.
Police Spokes Person Fred Enanga said that different individuals and groups plan to protest over the alleged escalating prices of commodities and delay by parliament to pass the Anti – Homosexuality Bill, among others.
“The organizers have been holding several meetings. We have advised that there are provisions under the Public Order Management Act that need to be complied with. We are aware that these individuals and groups have not engaged police as required,” he said.
Enanga stated that police will be compelled not to allow any such unlawful assemblies to occur because they have to protect other Ugandans and enable them to go about their daily activities.
According to the Public Order Management Act, an organizer shall give notice in writing & signed by the organizer or his or her agent to the authorized officer declaring the intention to hold a public meeting at least three days but not more than fifteen days before the proposed date of the public meeting.
The law only asks one to notify the police but it subsequently gives police room to find an excuse to stop your meeting.
Security in Kenya is tight with riot police stationed at strategic points patrolling the streets of Nairobi. Many shops have not opened and train services from the capital’s outskirts into the central business district have been suspended.
