IGP Martin Ochola warns against processions ahead of Monday presidential nominations

The Inspector General of Police Martin Okoth Ochola has promised that all ten presidential aspirants will be protected throughout the nomination exercise.

The independent electoral commission will conduct nominations for presidential candidates tomorrow Monday and Tuesday at Kyambogo grounds.

Ten people have been verified to get nominated to stand for President in the 2021 general election.

In a statement released on Sunday afternoon, the IGP says the security of all aspirants and other stakeholders and the successful conduct of the exercise remains a top priority for the Joint Taskforces.

He further assured Ugandans that there is no eminent threat directed towards the presidential nominations.

“However we do consider nominations a potential target for threats and other vulnerabilities that could significantly affect the entire exercise. These include; acts of civil disobedience such as sabotage, street violence, strikes and demonstrations, defiance campaigns, provoking security forces into violent confrontations, intimidation and minor criminal activity such as simple robbery, looting, vandalism and pick pocketing” Ochola says.

He noted that in their security master plan, they have developed a multi-agency tactical response; before, during and after the nominations, which involves a mix of highly visible and non-visible resources deployed in and around the venue to detect, deter and disrupt any range of criminal activity.

“We have specialist teams at selected locations, other patrolling in rapid reaction formations, CCTV monitoring teams, dedicated K9 teams crowd disposal teams to counter all forms of illegal activities and violent demonstrations that could compromise public safety and security” the IGP added.

Ochola warned political actors and groups that are still defiant and mobilizing boda boda riders and militias onto the streets and ferrying supporters from upcountry into illegal processions and rallies, that the police is closely monitoring them.

He says that any presidential aspirant who mobilizes boda boda riders for processions risks being arrested together with the boda boda riders.