The police in Kampala, in collaboration with other security agencies, have deployed heavily across the city in response to social media threats of mass demonstrations starting on January 8, 2024. The Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesman, Patrick Onyango, stated that no one has been granted permission to hold any demonstrations.
To counter the potential protests, the police have strategically deployed personnel in the five divisions of the city. Onyango revealed that the police received copies of a document circulating on social media, warning of demonstrations and demanding the release of individuals arrested for political reasons. The document further declared the suspension of businesses, shops, public transport, including taxis and boda bodas, starting January 8, 2024.
The letter, attributed to political activists, cited a peaceful demonstration against the alleged kidnapping, torture, and disappearance of individuals by security agencies. Onyango emphasized that peaceful demonstrations are allowed if they receive clearance from the Inspector General of Police (IGP), but the announced protests lacked such clearance.
While speaking to journalists, Onyango cautioned against participating in the unauthorized demonstrations, indicating that the National Unity Platform (NUP) was suspected of being behind the unrest. However, NUP’s deputy spokesperson, Waiswa Mufumbiro, denied the accusations, suggesting it might be a ploy by the police to make additional arrests on unclear grounds.
Areas of heavy police deployment included downtown Kampala and around Kisekka Market, where several arrests were made in 2020, including John Ddamulira, a spare parts dealer allegedly missing since then. Onyango confirmed Ddamulira’s arrest but denied allegations of torture made by some of the released detainees.
In October 2023, the Uganda Human Rights Commission released a report on a list of 30 names submitted by NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya, addressing alleged missing persons. The report revealed that 12 individuals reported missing were arrested on suspicion of various offenses and either released on police bond or court bail. However, 18 people remained unaccounted for, leading to continued demands for their release by some opposition activists.
Rashid Ssekindi, the chairperson of Uganda Taxi Operators Federation, noted that political activists circulated flyers intended to scare away taxi drivers. However, he urged drivers to continue normal work, dismissing the flyers as inconsequential.
