Summary:
- Security was increased in Iganga town to prevent an unauthorized prayer gathering and demonstration by opposition politicians. The organizers, including NUP president Bobi Wine, lacked police permission for the event, and the chosen venue in the town center was deemed unsuitable.
Security measures in Iganga town were heightened on Monday to prevent the anticipated prayer gathering and planned peaceful demonstration by opposition politicians from various political parties. The politicians, including National Unity Platform (NUP) president Hon Kyagulanyi Sentamu Robert (Bobi Wine), Katonga FDC president Erias Lukwago, and former FDC president Rtd Col Dr Kiiza Besigye, were scheduled to interact with supporters and address their challenges at the Municipal Council primary school in Iganga town.
The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Iganga District, Mr Wandera Sadala, explained that the organizers did not obtain permission from the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for the prayer event scheduled for Monday, January 22, 2024. Additionally, Wandera stated that the chosen venue in the middle of the town was deemed unsuitable as it could disrupt the normal activities of the business town.
Mr. Wandera mentioned that the heavy deployment was a response to the information received through media and the community about NUP mobilizing for an unauthorized function. He expressed concerns about the potential disruption to the business community, emphasizing the need for proper security measures due to the large number of attendees the organizers were expecting.
The RDC highlighted the small number of security personnel available, as some were deployed to provide security during the NAM summit and G77 plus China summit in Kampala. He underscored the importance of maintaining security in the face of potential terror threats and emphasized the need to protect citizens by deploying both the police and the army.
However, the Mayor of Iganga municipal council and NUP coordinator for Busoga region, Mr. Bamu Lulenzi, revealed that the prayer event was later postponed because Kyagulanyi couldn’t attend without Lukwago and Besigye, who were under house arrest for planning a demonstration against road potholes in the city.
Mayor Lulenzi expressed discontent with the deployment, arguing that the funds used to deploy officers could be better utilized for service delivery, such as equipping health centers with drugs and fixing roads across the country. He noted the excessive military and police presence in Iganga and criticized it as a display of fear by the government.
Despite the deployment, the situation in the town remained calm, and no incidents were reported. The RDC advised organizers to follow proper procedures in the future, including obtaining written permission from police headquarters and discussing suitable venues that do not disrupt the town’s activities.
