The police have said the Monday incidents in which supporters of National Unity Platform (NUP) allegedly pelted stones at police vehicles and officers are intended to push them for a fully blown altercation.
ACP Kituuma Rusoke, the police spokesperson, said seven police officers were injured and several vehicles were damaged by stones hurled by NUP supporters as the party’s presidential candidate Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine canvassed for votes.
Rusoke said people have thinking that the acts of provoking security agencies are being conducted in upcountry places but they were on Monday witnessed in broad day light in Kawempe.
“Today in Kawempe we saw it in full colour, in a very unprovoked situation, we saw people pelt stones at police officers. Vehicles were damaged, actually a number of security cars were damaged including an ambulance,” Rusoke said. He added: “Several police officers sustained injuries. Actually as we speak they are not less than seven. You can see there is very deliberate provocation so that we go for a fully blown altercation.”
Bobi Wine said his campaign day began with the usual military hostility unleashed to his peaceful supporters with the intention to break them down but the crowds yawning for change defied. “Our people were unrelenting and they braved all this intimidation to be part of our revolution. Kawempe has made a bold statement. This is the true definition of the protest vote,” Bobi Wine said.
More than 150 NUP supporters have been arrested in various parts of the country on Bobi Wine campaign trails. These are being accused of damaging security vehicles. NUP supporters have been arrested in places such as Arua where 32 were arrested, Lira 10 and more than 100 arrested in Mbarara.
Rusoke said any organization of a campaign program should involve collaboration with key stakeholders, especially the police and the electoral commission, to ensure coordinated and harmonious efforts.
According to Rusoke, processions have been prohibited and candidates should follow agreed-upon protocols to avoid collusion and conflicts. “Processions are prohibited. Candidates should find their supporters at the campaign grounds. The use of ambulances as lead vehicles is strictly prohibited. Drivers of ambulances are warned against misusing these vehicles,” Rusoke said.
Police said there are cases of criminals disguising themselves in party T-shirts and paraphernalia to rob people of phones, cash, and other valuables. Rusoke said police teams are tasked to deal decisively with these groups. Also, candidates have been warned against violating traffic regulations which includes overloading of motor vehicles, which is a concern.