Police have held a meeting with youth leaders who are planning to hold a demonstration on Tuesday next week over corruption in Parliament and abuse of office by top government officials.
The demo planners were accompanied by their lawyers led by Eron Kiiza. The TelegraphUg understands that the Police could this afternoon issue guidelines that would be followed in case the protest is cleared.
The Uganda Police Force on Monday warned against a planned protest on the streets of Kampala, the country’s capital, and a march to parliament scheduled for July 23.
Rusoke Kituuma, police spokesperson, told reporters here that unidentified organizers have been circulating placards urging people to gather on the streets on July 23, and there have been ongoing mobilization efforts on social media calling for people to protest.
“Given the lack of transparency and the potential for disorder, the police strongly warn against proceeding with this march,” he said.
Kituuma said the right to a peaceful protest will be respected, but police will not tolerate attempts to incite violence or breach public order.
He said those who want to exercise their rights, such as the right to assembly and demonstration, should always work with police to ensure that they do not aid persons with ulterior motives to hijack these expressions to accomplish criminal intentions.
The warning followed recent violent protests in neighboring Kenya, during which the parliament building and commercial sites were stormed and vandalized, resulting in deaths and turmoil. ■