Police intervened to arrest three National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters who were allegedly involved in an unlawful assembly in Buyengo town, Jinja district, on Sunday evening. The situation escalated when the crowd turned rowdy, prompting law enforcement to fire live bullets into the air to disperse them.
According to James Mubi, the Kiira region police spokesperson, the three individuals purportedly organized a football tournament but were seen carrying placards and inciting violence within the neighborhood. As tensions rose, the crowd began pelting stones at the police officers, necessitating the use of live ammunition as a means to restore order. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the intervention.
The suspects have been identified as Stephen Ochen, Fred Lutaaya, and Bashiru Kabaseke. Mubi further explained that Samuel Akalyamawa, the district councilor representing Buyengo Town Council and purported leader of the group, fled the scene before being apprehended.
Additionally, a Tata vehicle with registration number UPF 583 and a motorcycle with registration number UDM 418V, allegedly utilized to transport individuals from various areas in Busoga sub-region, were seized by the authorities.
The police have charged the suspects with “obstructing police officers while on lawful duty” and emphasized the importance of political actors adhering to regulations governing their gatherings to prevent unnecessary conflicts.
In the context of legal frameworks, the Constitutional Court nullified sections of the Public Order Management Act (POMA), 2013, in 2023, which previously prohibited unauthorized demonstrations and public meetings. Notably, sections 10 and 5 of the Act outline that individuals cannot face criminal charges for peacefully demonstrating without prior permission from the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
Leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Bobi Wine, has spoken out against the police actions, alleging the disruption of a peaceful football match organized by NUP supporters at Buyengo Playground in Buyengo, Jinja district. According to Bobi Wine, the police intervened without justification, raiding the pitch during the match and resorting to firing explosives at both players and spectators.
Furthermore, he claims that several individuals, including leaders of the NUP youth coordination team for Eastern Uganda, were arbitrarily arrested during the incident. Despite these challenges, Bobi Wine said the party remains resolute, asserting that the regime’s actions will not deter the efforts of the NUP and its supporters.
