The Uganda Police Force has firmly refuted allegations linking one of its fire trucks to recent protests in Kenya, describing such claims as baseless propaganda. Fred Enanga, the Police spokesperson, addressed the media at a press conference held on Monday at the police headquarters in Kampala to clarify the situation.
“We would like to refute the false and malicious propaganda surrounding the video footage showing one of our fire trucks amidst protesters in Nakuru, Kenya. The truck under registration number UP 9596 was indeed in Kenya, but solely for mechanical repairs,” Enanga stated.
Enanga emphasized that the fire truck, belonging to Masaka CPS Fire and Rescue Department, had encountered mechanical issues back in April 2024. Consequently, it was transported to Nairobi by Isuzu Uganda for necessary repairs.
“On June 21, 2024, as the fire truck was returning to Uganda after repairs, it passed through Nakuru where it was filmed by protesters. Subsequently, it entered Uganda and was documented by CCTV at Busitema en route to Masaka via Kampala,” he explained.
The clarification was made during the weekly security briefing at Uganda Police headquarters in Naguru, reinforcing the Police Force’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Enanga reiterated, “Claims suggesting that Uganda Police deployed a fire truck during the recent protests in Kenya are entirely false and misleading.”
He also highlighted Uganda’s respect for Kenya’s sovereignty and affirmed the strong cooperative relationship between the Uganda Police and their Kenyan counterparts.
Last week, Kenya witnessed widespread demonstrations across 19 counties protesting against proposed tax amendments. The demonstrators voiced concerns over the Finance Bill, arguing it would adversely impact the economy and exacerbate living costs for Kenyan citizens already facing financial strain.
In contrast, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) supported the Kenyan government’s rationale, emphasizing the need for increased revenue to reduce fiscal deficits and borrowing.
Recent reports indicated a partial retreat by the government, with President William Ruto endorsing recommendations to revise or eliminate several new levies, including those on vehicle ownership, basic foodstuffs, and financial transactions.
The protests have resulted in two fatalities and left over 200 individuals injured, underscoring the volatile nature of the demonstrations.
The Uganda Police reaffirms its commitment to clarity and honesty in its communications with the public and international community as investigations continue into the origins of the misinformation surrounding the fire truck incident.
