Police cancels anti-corruption march to parliament

Uganda Police cancels 'Stop Corruption March to Parliament' due to lack of clarity in organizational details
Rising tensions and extensive mobilization efforts on social media led to the cancellation
Police warn against potential disorder and urge collaboration with organizers for peaceful demonstrations

ACP Kituuma Rosoke, in his statement, emphasized the lack of clarity surrounding the organizational details of the march.

"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," Rosoke said. He pointed out that this ambiguity could lead to potential disorder.

The police spokesman further warned against proceeding with the march, stressing the importance of maintaining public order.

"Given the lack of transparency and potential for disorder, the police strongly warn against proceeding with this march. Uganda Police Force is issuing a clear warning against attempts to incite violence or breach public order through uncontrolled demonstrations," he stated.

While the right to peaceful protest is acknowledged, the police underscored their intolerance towards any actions that could incite public disorder.

"The right to a peaceful protest will be respected, but police will not tolerate attempts to incite public disorder," Rosoke added.

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The statement also urged individuals wishing to exercise their rights to assemble and demonstrate to collaborate with the police to prevent any criminal activities.

"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," Rosoke concluded.

March supported by minister

The planned march had garnered significant attention, particularly after State Minister of Finance in Charge of Investment and Privatisation, Hon. Evelyn Anite, expressed her intention to participate.

Anite, known for her vocal stance against corruption, had accepted an online invitation to join the protest. In her responses on social media, she affirmed her commitment by stating, "I am in," and "yes" when asked if she would attend the march.

Minister Anite has been at the forefront of recent anti-corruption efforts, including a public confrontation with the leadership of the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA).

She accused UIA's Director General, Robert Mukiza, and other employees of illegally awarding themselves UGX 500 million in honoraria from a loan intended for the Namanve Infrastructure Development. Although Mukiza defended the payment as part of the contract, the dispute reached President Museveni, who ordered the refund of the money.

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