In Kayunga District, police have stopped a planned peaceful protest organized by local leaders who were seeking to address unfulfilled promises made by President Museveni.
Mr. Charles Tebandeke, the MP for Bbaale County, had sent a letter to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) on August 29, informing them about the demonstration, which was named “Black Independence, Ennaku yenfuufu.” However, the Kayunga District Police Commander, Ms. Rosette Sikahwa, stated that the IGP did not respond to the letter, effectively denying authorization for the protest.
Ms. Sikahwa expressed concerns that the demonstration, scheduled for October 9, would tarnish the government’s image and potentially result in property damage, as some individuals might join the protest with intentions to steal or cause harm.
In his letter, Mr. Tebandeke highlighted that President Museveni had failed to fulfill his promise made since 2001 to pave the 89 km Kayunga-Bbaale-Galilaaya road. The MP affirmed their determination to proceed with the demonstration, asserting that the police lacked the authority to prevent it.
Mr. Tebandeke stated, “Police has no powers to deprive or block the fundamental rights of any person. We just wanted to inform them.” He added that they would go without food for the entire day, walk from Kitwe to Kitinbwa trading center, and organize a football match between NRM and opposition supporters.
Despite previous attempts, including two protests by residents led by Mr. Tebandeke, the road remains in poor condition, leading to accidents, particularly during dry seasons. The road has experienced increased traffic due to the cultivation of sugar cane by companies in Bbaale County.
