The National Unity Platform (NUP) has declared its opposition to some of the guidelines issued by the police to green light the party’s countryside mobilization exercise.
The police have so far blocked two NUP mobilization activities as the 2026 general elections draw closer. The blocked activities had been planned to take place in Kamuli and Pallisa districts.
This prompted NUP to write a protest letter to the police.
In response, police said that before NUP planned activities could proceed, the opposition party was required to comply with a number of guidelines, which include, according to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the comprehensive program and schedule of the intended activities, detailing the location, dates, and time of each activity with the numbers of expected participants, and any other information essential for security planning.
NUP was also required to provide proof of permission from owners of venues to be used, measures for public safety and health in place at each of the venues for meetings, liaise with the territorial police commanders (RPCs and DPCs) and District Security Committees (DSCs), and harmonize security arrangements for each of the activities to ensure that all aspects of public order, peace, and tranquility are observed.
The NUP was further required not to hold rallies and processions.
Responding to the police letter, NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya said that while NUP agrees with notifying police about the venue, program, and time for each event, providing evidence of permission from venue owners, indicating security and public health measures, and liaising with the respective RPCs and DPCs, the party disagrees with police guidelines that prohibit rallies and processions.
“We, however, do not agree with these two guidelines: do not hold rallies and processions. Only hold town hall meetings in enclosed venues. (Rallies and processions are permitted by law, and indeed, other political actors continue to hold them without them being blocked. We strongly disagree with the double standard. We are ready and willing to have our rallies and processions regulated, but not blocked,” he said.
Rubongoya added that NUP does not agree with the guideline that requires the party to indicate the number of guests.
“It is unfathomable that they (police) expect us to know how many people will come for each event, because our events attract tens of thousands of people.”
The police have since invited NUP party leaders for a meeting on Monday.
“We hope that on Monday, the police leadership, if they’re genuine, will be able to make sense of these issues so we can proceed with our activities in harmony!” Rubongoya said.