Ugandan opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu popularly known as Bobi Wine has clarified his involvement in planning of protests set for July 23 dubbed #March2Parliament.
In a statement dated 22 July 2024 Bobi Wine set the record straight stating that his party National Unity platform (NUP) was not in any way involved in planning the demonstrations.
“For the record, the 23rd of July #March 2 parliament protests are not organized by NUP,” clarified Bobi Wine.
Bobi wine also revealed, plans of the government to blame NUP for the protests as a scheme to weaken its political strongholds.
“The effort by the regime to clamp down and make it look like a NUP initiative is meant to weaken it because they want to make it appear like a partisan matter,” he claimed.
Bobi Wine supports protests
The leader went ahead to express his support for the protesters as he believes in the power of the people fighting against injustice, corruption and misrule.
“The #AntiCorruptionProtests as we know are organized by the young people of Uganda regardless of their age, religion, tribe or political affiliation.
The criminal regime will certainly fail,” read part of the statement.
Also Read: Uganda Police Issues Statement Ahead of #OccupyUganda Protests
Earlier, President Yoweri Museveni had issued a stern warning to the protesters citing that they would not be allowed to demonstrate in Kampala.
“You want to disturb us; you are playing with fire because we cannot allow to demonstrate in Kampala people are selling in the roadside. Do not have such ideas in your head,” warned Museveni.
Likewise, Uganda Police Force (UPF) had warned the public against the planned protests scheduled for 23 July 2024, dubbed ‘Occupy Uganda’.
In a statement on July 15, UPF Spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said they will not condone any attempts to incite violence or breach public order in the demonstrations.
UPF Issues Statement
“Uganda Police Force is issuing a clear warning against attempts to incite violence or breach public order through uncontrolled demonstrations,” Rusoke warned.
Further, the police force stated that mobilization was being conducted with protesters being urged to turn up with placards indicating Occupy Uganda.
They further warned that the mass occupation in the streets would result in significant disruption of public order.
“Such a mass occupation of the streets from the police perspective would likely result in significant traffic congestion, disruption of trade, and disturbances to public order,” stated the force.
Also Read: Bobi Wine Arrested Amid Anti-Museveni Protests
Further, Rusoke asked the protesters to heed the counsel and conduct the protests in a peaceful manner.
“Following a thorough security assessment regarding the feasibility of a political procession, the UPF has formally advised the organizers and urges them to heed this counsel. We reiterate our position that UPF shall not tolerate disorderly conduct” advised Rusoke.
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