Police issue new directives for UPC rallies

Lira | The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has issued new directives to the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) over their recent rally in North Kyoga.

The new directives were announced at a press conference on Monday at Lira Central Police Station in Lira City by SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, PRO of North Kyoga.

SP Okema stated that the police hierarchy emphasizes the importance of maintaining public order and safety protocols during political gatherings. He explained that the directives are to ensure that future UPC events meet the necessary legal and security requirements.

“The IGP has communicated with the UPC party leadership to ensure that all their activities, including rallies, are conducted within the framework of the law. This is to guarantee the safety of all participants and the general public,” SP Okema explained.

The UPC, one of Uganda’s oldest political parties, has been actively participating in rallies and public mobilizations throughout the country. However, security agencies have expressed concerns about the possibility of disruptions and the importance of proper coordination with law enforcement.

On Saturday in Alebtong, UPC leaders and supporters clashed with police, who used tear gas to calm the situation.

SP Okema also reaffirmed the police’s commitment to maintaining peace and order in the North Kyoga region, urging all political parties and supporters to work with security agencies to avoid incidents that could endanger the public.

The issuance of these directives coincides with heightened political activity in the region, with various parties preparing for upcoming electoral processes. The police PRO assured the public that security measures would be stepped up to ensure a peaceful environment for all political activities.

According to Okema, the new guidelines for UPC mobilization in the Lango sub-region are straightforward; however, certain protocols must be followed.

The guidelines specify that a consultative meeting should be held indoors rather than outdoors.

In the districts of Alebtong and Otuke, this was regrettably not observed, which resulted in a situation where the team and management in charge of guaranteeing a peaceful assembly were unable to carry out their responsibilities.

As a result, SP Okema stated that police had to deploy regional forces and use tear gas to disperse the crowd.

“The police wish to emphasize that any rally organized by the UPC party leadership in the Lango sub-region must take place in a conference setting rather than in an open area.

“This raises questions as to why the UPC party leadership complied with the lawful requirements in Otuke district on Sunday, February 23, 2025, for their consultative meeting, yet failed to adhere to the guidelines provided by the DPC [commander] in Alebtong district.”

Following Lango, tndNews understands that Akena and his team are heading to Teso for similar rallies and events.