It is no longer news that presidential aspirants for 2021 elections will be nominated by Electoral Commission led by, Justice Simon, on Monday and Tuesday at Kyambogo University.
At least 10 aspirants including incumbent, Yoweri Museveni, have been cleared by EC after submitting their endorsement signatures collected from at least 98 districts.
Although Justice Byabakama and police have clearly instructed aspirants not to move in a procession, majority of the aspirants such as Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine, Patrick Oboi Amuriat, Lt Gen Henry Tumukunde have rallied their supporters to turn up in big numbers.
Senior Superintendent of Police-SSP Norman Musinga, who is the Kampala metropolitan traffic police commander and Commissioner of Police –CP Fred Enanga, who is the police mouthpiece, have insisted that no aspirant will reach the nomination venue with more than 10 supporters.
“Despite the guidelines issued by the Electoral Commission, which are very clear, we continue to obtain intelligence on arrangements by a few political actors, to hold unauthorized processions, rallies and assemblies. We have taken note of their adverts and publicity drives declaring such intentions,” Enanga said.
Musinga and Enanga said residents of Kyambogo and nearby places will not be allowed to loiter during daytime until the last candidate has been nominated. Police said only vehicles of VIPs, electoral officials and aspirants will be able to reach Kyambogo.
“Therefore, we would like to warn all intending participants and other members of the public, not to join these unauthorized processions and assemblies. Simply because, the organisers cannot guarantee, that violence will not erupt, or further guarantee the safety of participants, against exposure to the Covid-19 pandemic,” police said.
Police said as a precaution, security agencies have deployed sufficient manpower to combat any unlawful acts. Security said they are going to disrupt certain activities and movements during the nominations. Enanga said some disruptions will be overt, others covert including areas like; traffic road junctions, lodges, boda-bodas stages, garages, taxi stages.
Security forces said several vehicle checkpoints throughout the KMP area. Forces said Joint Task Force will take very resolute enforcement action in strict accordance with the law against any illegal acts, in order to promote rule of law, protect public order and public safety.
ALSO READ: Nominations: Kireka, Kyambogo placed under 2-day daytime curfew