KAMPALA: The Police Spokesperson, CP Enanga Fred has on Monday, November 8, 2021, informed the public that the security agencies are ready and prepared to counter all riots and illegal protests across the country.
Following intelligence gathered about plans by National Unity Platform (NUP) and other violent groups to hold riots and political demonstrations beginning this week, Spokesperson Enanga has warned that the police is not taking any chances.
“Although the extent of the threats cannot be predicted, we are taking no chances,” he stressed.
This warning comes after police dismantled a NUP cell in Kasese district, arresting at least 4 suspects who were dragged to court and charged with conspiracy to commit a felony of treason.
“These 4 suspects include Bwambale Geofrey, Isande Atonozio, Basisa Brian and Mumbere Isaac. They had started mobilizing people from Ntoroko, Bundibugyo, Hoima and Fort portal, for massive riots, burning of key government installations, blockage of Mpondwe boarder point, among others, during the months of November and December, 2021,” revealed Enanga.
In addition, the Political Crimes Department has opened case files against Hon. Francis Zaake and Rtd. Col. Dr. Kiiza Besigye, for making inappropriate statements about them using all possible means to cause change to a democratically elected government, before 2026.
“We do take such anti-democratic utterances seriously, because of the potential of creating panic and fear in the public,” he noted.
Enanga said the country, has recently endured a lot of acts of violence including deadly riots, political demonstrations, domestic terrorism, natural calamities, arson, vandalism and machetes wilding attacks among others, thus there will not be further tolerance of such acts of violence and illegal protests.
“We have both mobile and rapid response teams on standby, prepared to counter these threats and avoid a repeat of the 2020 riots. The personnel are all trained in advanced skills related to crowd management, crowd control, use of enhanced personnel protective equipment’s, use of force, de-escalation and riots,” he added.
Enanga further reassured the public, especially the private and business sector, the education sector, those in the transport sector, that there are contingency plans in place, to counter any violent conduct or behavior.
“We are meanwhile, encouraged by the fact that many youth groups are not willing to participate in these senseless acts of violence, and we want to greatly thank them, for being peaceful,” expressed Enanga.