Security forces have been heavily deployed in several Kampala suburbs following intelligence reports that opposition intended to hold violent riots that would destabilise the city, Chimp Corps report.
“The Police have obtained credible information about plans by a group of criminal-minded persons to hold illegal demonstrations targeting Kampala City, from the city suburbs of Makindye, Nansana, Kyengera, Bwaise, Kireka, Nankulabye, Kibuye, Katwe, Nalukolongo among others,” said police spokesperson Fred Enanga on Thursday morning.
“These demonstrations are deemed illegal because they are not authorized by Police as required under the Public Order Management Act, due to the potential of culminating into riots across the city; including arson, looting of properties, destruction and vandalism, and violent clashes between Police and rock throwing protesters,” he added.
The latest development come against the backdrop of FDC’s declaration of Thursday as non-working day.
FDC publicist Ssemujju Nganda last week said all their supporters should not appear at their workplaces starting today Thursday as part of the defiance campaign against the sitting government.
The call to boycott work has sparked mixed reactions from the public,with many describing the move as a non-starter.
Eng Winnie Byanyima, the wife of FDC iron-man Dr Kizza Besigye, has since labelled the planned boycott as “misguided.”
Destruction
Enanga said “several businesses reported damage, buildings were destroyed, vehicles vandalized and injuries sustained” during previous “unlawful protests.”
He emphasised that, “To avoid a repeat of such loss and injury, the Police are better prepared for violence on Thursday, 10th March, 2016, and secured all routes leading to the City centre.”
Police Chief, Gen Kale Kayihura has in addition, given orders to the Commanders and Officers to “strictly observe the discipline and formation necessary to counter and navigate their way through a civil disturbance, charge rioters and quell the disturbance, to help safeguard and secure the lives and properties of all Ugandans and visitors within the Kampala City area.”