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“We Will Not Obey Illegal Orders”: Bobi Wine Defies Police Orders as Tensions Rise

Kampala, Uganda – In today’s press conference, Robert Kyagulanyi, commonly known as Bobi Wine and leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), criticized the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Maj. Gen Geoffrey Tumusiime Katsigazi, accusing him of prioritizing politics over law enforcement. The statement came after the police suspended NUP’s mobilization tours, citing violations of guidelines and alleged incitement of violence.

Speaking to journalists, Bobi Wine expressed his discontent with the police’s decision, emphasizing that his party had only notified the authorities of their rallies and did not require permission to hold them. He argued that the police had no authority to make decisions on behalf of registered political parties and accused them of using excuses to obstruct NUP’s countrywide tour.

“As soon as we announced our country-wide mobilization tour, they immediately started talking about terrorism. They were not talking about terrorism when Museveni’s son (Muhoozi Kainerugaba) or Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja were moving around,” Bobi Wine stated, suggesting a double standard in the treatment of political figures.

The NUP leader also criticized the blocking of roads, pointing out that President Museveni, his family members, and close associates had been guilty of doing so without consequences. He accused the ruling government of creating fear among the population to justify their actions in trying to obstruct NUP’s program, particularly in the Kampala Metropolitan region.

The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Maj. Gen Geoffrey Tumusiime Katsigazi, justified the suspension of NUP’s mobilization tours, alleging that the party had disregarded guidelines and engaged in activities that incited violence, promoted sectarianism, and called for the removal of an elected government. He further accused Bobi Wine of making defamatory statements against the President.

However, Bobi Wine remained resolute, vowing to defy what he called “illegal and emotional orders” from the Uganda Police Force. He dismissed claims that his life was in danger as mere excuses to halt NUP’s activities and accused the ruling government of attempting to assassinate him in 2018.

The “Wake Up Uganda” tour, NUP’s first phase of mobilization, commenced on August 28 and concluded on Wednesday, September 13, 2023. Despite the suspension imposed by the police, Bobi Wine’s defiance suggests that the political landscape in Uganda remains tense and polarized.

As the situation unfolds, tensions between NUP and the Uganda Police Force are likely to escalate, raising concerns about the impact on the country’s political climate and the upcoming elections. The clash between law enforcement and political activism continues to raise questions about the boundaries of political expression and the role of security forces in a democratic society.

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