Police, army deploy in Lira ahead of FDC rally

Riot police and heavily armed UPDF soldiers have Saturday deployed Lira town ahead of the public rally organised by the Opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Party.

Police pickup patrol vehicles are patrolling major streets in Lira town.

Mr David Ongom Mudong, the North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson said the deployment is normal and it's in line with police duties.

Without divulging details, Mr Ongom, says that they are not aware of any FDC public rally in the town on Saturday.

According to Mr Ongom, police have not been informed about the rally but their deployment is to avert any possible “illegal gathering” as per the Public Order Management Act.

However, Mr Ogongson Otyama Ogong, the FDC chairman in Lira District said they informed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mr Martins Okoth-Ochola about their planned public rally in the town.

Mr Otyama said Lira District Police Commander, Mr George Obia and North Kyoga Regional Police Commander, Mr Peter Nkulega have denied receiving any communication from the office of the IGP clearing the rally.

He said the rally is part of the wider activities being undertaken by the FDC party to recruit new party members.

Former FDC president, Dr Kizza Besigye, according to the party programme, is expected to meet party leaders in the region and later address a public rally at the Mayor’s Gardens.

Mr Geoffrey Okello, an FDC supporter questioned why Police has also blocked them from holding radio talk shows.

On Friday, Police in Kitgum District  blocked FDC activities because they were illegal.