RDC, police block pro-Museveni demo
BUKOMANSIMBI-Authorities in Bukomansimbi District have blocked a demonstration organised by the National Resistance Movement (NRM) youth to declare their support for president Museveni’s 2016 sole candidature.
The group led by Mr Shafiq Mwanje, the district councillor for Persons with Disabilities, had on Wednesday planned a demonstration to denounce former prime minister Amama Mbabazi’s presidential ambitions against President Museveni in next year’s general elections.
However, police acting on instructions of Mr Mukasa Kityo, the Bukomansimbi Resident District Commissioner, blocked the demonstration, saying it wasn’t in conformity with the provisions of the Public Order Management Act.
He has explained that while the law requires informing police 10 days to the public gathering, the organisers of the procession applied for permission on the day they planned the activity, which security could not accept.
“Much as they could have had a cause for their demonstration, they ought to follow the law despite belonging to the ruling party,” Mr Kityo insisted, saying the group was uncoordinated, which could lead to clashes with other youth groups possibly allied to Mr Mbabazi.
According to Mr Mwanje, they intended to have a procession to express their annoyance with Mr Mbabazi’s candidature.
Mr Mwanje said they will stage another demonstration at a later date.