Police warn MPs on demonstration
Western Youth MP, Gerald Karuhanga (R) addressing journalist on Friday where MPs announced their intension to demonstrate over the oil Bill. Left is Butambala County MP Muwanga Kivumbi. PHOTO BY GEOFFREY SSERUYANGE
What you need to know:
Oil Bill. The MPs are contesting the granting of powers to a minister to decide on oil agreements, saying it should be done by an institution.
Police have warned Members of Parliament against holding a demonstration tomorrow in Kampala saying it is “unlawful and shall not be allowed to take place”.
According to a statement from Police deputy spokesperson, Mr Vincent Ssekate, the organisers of the planned demonstration have neither notified the Police nor provided the requisite details as required by procedure, to enable police provide security and therefore it’s unauthorised.
“Any planned demonstration or procession, in this instance, is therefore unlawful, and shall not be allowed to take place,” part of the statement reads.
The MPs have insisted that they will continue to rally people to flock the Parliament tomorrow as the August House deliberates on some contentious clauses of the Oil Bill despite police’s warning that they will not allow such.
Last week, a section of MPs led by Medard Ssegona and Theodore Ssekikuubo, who are pushing for transparency in the oil sector, walked out of the House, protesting against what they termed as a “coup against the wishes of majority Ugandans.”
The MPs’ decision followed a parliamentary resolution on Thursday to recommit Clause 9 of the Bill which gives the line minister powers to grant, revoke license and negotiate petroleum agreements.
Mr Gerald Karuhanga, the Western Youth MP, accused the president of personalising the oil resource and giving oil companies what he wants, and thus called upon all the youth to join them during the demonstrations for the national cause.
However, Mr Ssekate cautioned the general public not to be lured into participating in an illegal activity of going to Parliament without informing the concerned authorities.
But speaking to Daily Monitor, Mr Karuhanga said by the fact that police have reacted to this planned protest implies that they are already notified.
“We are set for this demonstration because we cannot sit back and relax as the President meddles in the oil business like he is negotiating for his cattle in Rwakitura,” he said.
