Plan to block Museveni swearing-in ceremony: Security agencies vow to crush pro-Bobi Wine protests

Uganda Police Force says it has intelligence reports that pro-National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters have planned to start protest in Kampala and surrounding districts aimed at blocking the swearing-in (inauguration) of President-elect Yoweri Kaguta Tubuhaburwa Museveni.

Museveni beat NUP candidate Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine and nine others in the January 14, 2021 presidential election.

But Bobi Wine challenged the results in the Supreme Court, only to withdraw it over alleged bias on the side of judges.

The singer-turned-politician said he would take the petition to the public court.

Now Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP) deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire claims police have information that there are planned protests.

“We have received information from credible sources that a section of opposition politicians are planning nationwide violent demonstrations and riots beginning with Kampala Metropolitan area on 9/3/2021,” said Owoyesigyire.

“The organisers of these illegal demonstrations are mobilising the public using social media and leaflets with wording that reads “Time is Now. Join Nationalwide protests to fight for our victory. M7 Tajja Kulayira.”

Owoyesigyire made it clear police and sister security agencies “have deployed strategically to counter these illegal acts and we are continuing with vigilance.”

He then warned “the organisers of these unlawful demonstrations to desist from participating in any unlawful activities,” adding that “the police will not hesitate to arrest and charge in courts of law anyone, who will be found participating in these illegal activities.”

In previous pro-Bobi Wine protests, over 54 people were killed, according to police records.