Luuka: Emmanuel Mbalasa Lutaaya, the National Unity Platform (NUP) coordinator in Luuka district, has launched a scathing attack on Uganda Police for suspending the party’s mobilization activities across the country. The NUP, led by Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has been conducting nationwide tours, during which several party offices were inaugurated.
However, the police raised concerns over Bobi Wine’s alleged dissemination of statements promoting sectarianism and inciting violence during the countrywide tour. They also accused NUP leaders and their supporters of flouting guidelines on public gatherings, opting for massive crowds that disrupted traffic and caused disorder.
This suspension comes at a time when terror threats are a significant concern, with large gatherings potentially attracting security issues such as bomb attacks.
Mbalasa firmly refuted these allegations, characterizing the NUP’s tour as a peaceful exercise without any controversies or violations. He accused the police of attempting to tarnish the opposition party’s reputation by portraying it as a law-defying organization.
Mbalasa argued that the police’s ban came after the NUP successfully completed the first phase of its tour, suggesting that the police had fallen into a trap.
Regarding allegations of promoting sectarianism, Mbalasa defended the NUP by highlighting the flaws of the “Museveni government.” He claimed that the government had practiced nepotism, tribalism, and sectarianism during its nearly forty years in power.
Mbalasa emphasized that the NUP promotes regional balance in its leadership, consisting of individuals from different tribes. He also clarified that the party’s politics involve identifying regions’ specific challenges to address under the leadership of their presidential hopeful, Kyagulanyi.
Fred Enanga, the police spokesperson, reiterated the suspension of NUP tours during a press briefing. He warned against defying this suspension, emphasizing that the police would not hesitate to bring politicians who incite lawlessness to justice.
Enanga disclosed that police intelligence had detected plans by the NUP to lead mass demonstrations in January next year. He urged Ugandans to reject any such actions and assured them of the police’s commitment to ensuring safety for all citizens and visitors.
