Police in Mbarara has given Robert Kyagulanyi green light to hold his manifesto launch in the city on condition that he must adhere to Electoral Commission guidelines.
Kyagulanyi, a presidential candidate sponsored by National Unit Platform (NUP) announced that he will be addressing his supporters in Mbarara on Saturday, something the authorities had strongly objected.
But the director of Uganda Police Counter Terrorism AIGP Abas Byakagaba who also serves as Zonal Commander for Ankole Region said Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine is free to go ahead and launch his manifesto.
He however, warned that the NUP must ensure that his supporters should observe COVID-19 guidelines.
“The National Unity Platform (NUP) has plans to launch their Manifesto in Mbarara City on Saturday 7 November 2020. We take this opportunity to caution them to abide by the MOH and EC guidelines. All processions, rallies and unregulated assemblies are prohibited,” Byakagaba said.
“We have response teams against any forms of threats and vulnerabilities like violent demonstrations, hooliganism, sabotage, provocative behaviour and cybercrimes among others!”
Byakagaba also warned the rest of the politicians in the area to desist from early campaigns has has been witnessed recently.
“We have registered concerns of politicians actively soliciting for votes at various functions, distributing campaign materials, putting up posters, holding illegal rallies, assemblies and campaign meetings before the campaign period,” he said.
“We would like to caution all individual and political actors that this is against the Electoral roadmap and guidelines.
“We recognize many Ugandans are passionate about the candidates or political parties they support or intend to support. But it is important that they exercise the fundamental rights under peaceful settings where their safety is guaranteed!”