Police warn Politicians in Lango Sub Region against unlawful demonstrations over delayed repairs on Kamdini-Lira road

The Joint Security Agencies have warned individuals and groups that are organizing unlawful assemblies and political demonstrations in Lango Sub Region, dubbed “solidarity campaigns” over the alleged negligence of major roads in Lango, to neglect the idea or risk being arrested.

According to CP Fred Enanga the police spokesperson, the key planners include politicians like Hon. Issa Otto Amisa, Hon Olara Otunu and Hon Angiro Gutmoi.  Others include Mawa Moses (NUP mobilizer Lango sub-region), Acar Martin, Ojede Peter (Mobiliser Oyam and Kole Districts), Aryano George, Okot Moses, Joseph Orient and Okello Newton Isaac (Youth Representative – Olara Otunu faction).  

Enanga says the individuals held several meetings at the home of Mawa Moses in Kakoge, Lira City, where they distributed NUP flags, red T-shirts, whistles, and other logistics including fuel, for boda-bodas and motor vehicles.

“They are using the delays in the planned road works construction for the Kamdini-Lira-Soroti -Tororo road, to hold political riots and have mobilized transporters from different associations like the Lira Urban Transporters, Lira Market Taxi Operators, Lira Tipper Drivers Association, Lira Juba Transporters, Uganda Bus Owners Association, among others. We want to assure the public, especially residents in Lango sub-region, that the grievances by the politicians are fueled by false narratives, to simply incite or commit violence” Enanga said.

He also noted that the said politicians are all aware that the delay in road construction works from Lira to Kamdini, then Soroti up to Tororo, is due to pending approvals of the environmental and social safeguards by the World Bank, and that the road construction works will start immediately after the clearance from the World Bank.

Enanga warned that the organizers must know that although it is a fundamental right to peacefully assemble, all political assemblies and procession are still restricted under the Public Health Orders.

Adding that all organizers have a duty to inform the police about the date, time, consent of the venue owner, number of persons expected, and any other information, to ensure the smooth conduct of the public meeting, yet the key planners did not adhere to this provision for holding their public meeting, which led to the arrest of Hon. Issa Otto Amisa.

“We shall, therefore, not allow any unlawful assemblies to occur. We have contingency plans in place to counter any violent conduct or behavior, both mobile and rapid response teams, all trained in crowd management and control. This is to ensure the rights of Ugandans to peace, security, and safety are not disrupted by self-seeking politicians” said Enanga.