Police, NUP agree on guidelines to resume tours

The follow-up meeting follows a decision by the police to halt NUP mobilization activities after a nasty accident on May 31 at St. Lawrence Maya, along Kampala-Masaka highway, during the party’s procession to Masaka.

The accident claimed three lives and two sustained serious injuries.

The concerns

NUP spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi says police’s main concerns in the Thursday meeting were heavy traffic and the safety of people in the processions.

Ssenyonyi argued that they cannot be responsible for all the people who join the processions.

“We cannot be responsible for everybody that joins us,” he said before adding.

“That is why we notify them because even wrong elements can join.”

Ssenyonyi noted they held a cordial meeting with the top bosses and hope for the same working relationship with the district police bosses they will find on the ground.

Police deputy spokesperson ACP Nabakka S. Claire stated that the police guided a convoy of many motor vehicles and motorcycles from Kampala to upcountry locations, which would not be allowed.

They also asked NUP to guide members on observing traffic rules against overloading and overspeeding and restrain them from provoking security officers.

“The NUP leadership was urged to take responsibility and prevail over the conduct of their members; otherwise, they will be held responsible,” she said.

The party's first stop will be in Bundibugyo on Monday, followed by other parts of the country.