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PRESS RELEASE

The Uganda Police Force has received reliable information that

sections of the opposition leadership intend to use the pretext of
peaceful demonstrations, allegedly in protest of the outcome of the
recent Presidential and Parliamentary elections, to cause widespread
and sustained violence and destruction, and in process, destabilize the
peace and security in the country.
While the Constitution grants the right to demonstrate peacefully and
unarmed, this right comes with conditions and responsibilities. The
overriding condition is that, any person exercising this right must do
so without prejudicing the rights of others or public interest. Public
interest includes national security.
Under Article 212 of the Constitution, it is the constitutional
responsibility of the Police to safeguard these rights, by preserving the
peace, maintaining law and order, and detecting and preventing crime.
This is particularly so in situations where the exercise of these rights
is likely to result in conflict of interests of parties involved or
affected, or put innocent lives, and property, in imminent danger.
It is for this reason that Section 32(1) of the Police Act empowers the
Police to regulate the conduct of public meetings and processions.
In executing its regulatory function in regard to public meetings and
processions, the Police require organizers of public meetings and
processions to notify the Police, in advance of any intended public
meeting or procession.
The purpose of the notice is to enable the Police plan for the security
of the function, ensure that the rights of other persons not involved are
protected, and protect national security.

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In the notice, the organizers are required to provide details of the

venue, time and number of persons expected, in case of public
meetings; and the intended route, time and number of persons
expected, in case of processions.
This, in fact, is the standard practice the world over, in other
established democracies, as well as sister Commonwealth countries.
In the present case, the leadership of the opposition and organizers of
the intended demonstrations, have neither notified the Police, or
provided the requisite details as required by procedure, to enable the
Police provide security, and ensure that the demonstration is peaceful.
Any planned demonstration or procession, in this instance, is
therefore, unlawful, and shall not be allowed to take place.
I, consequently, caution any person organizing, or intending to
hold or participate in such unlawful demonstration, which has
potential to degenerate into a riotous situation, that such action
constitutes a criminal offence, and the Police shall take firm and
resolute action against such persons.
I would like to advice members of the public to guard against
misleading statements, leaflets, as well as media and other means,
whose purpose is to use the public to pursue their selfish and evil
agendas.
The Police shall continue to cooperate with the public, and other
security agencies, to maintain law and order, prevent crime, and
ensure the safety and security of the country.
Thank you.
Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura
Inspector-General of Police
Uganda Police Force

26th February, 20100