Police in Busoga North on Wednesday blocked a consultative meeting by National Unity Platform (NUP) president, Robert Kyagulanyi in Kamuli district.

Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine was slated to hold a meeting on Wednesday at Kananage Primary School, in Northern Division, Kamuli municipality, however, police deployed heavily at the grounds. Police also mounted roadblocks along all major roads leading to Kamuli town from the Isimba bridge to the Jinja-Kamuli road, and Mbulamuti-Bukungu road.

Marine police intensified their presence along Lake Kyoga, checking all passenger boats. Meanwhile, police officers at the different checkpoints in Kamuli town searched all commuter taxis, and private vehicles, looking out for any NUP supporters wearing red berets.

A police officer deployed at one of the checkpoints who spoke on condition of anonymity said that intelligence-led information revealed how dozens of Kyagulanyi’s advance team had pitched camp in the different lodges and hotels across Kamuli district to mobilize Kyagulanyi’s meeting. 

Michael Kasadha, Busoga North police spokesperson says that Kyagulanyi’s previous consultative meetings were halted over non-adherence to set guidelines. Kasadha notes that, rather than sticking to the agreed town hall meetings, Kyagulanyi opted to hold rallies.

Kasadha further says that the rallies would also affect businesses in the area and slow down traffic. NUP’s head of carders, training, and recruitment, Andrew Muwanguzi told journalists that, they had notified the Inspector General of Police about their planned nationwide tours starting in Kamuli district.

However, Kasadha argues that their superiors in Kampala have not responded. Muwanguzi tasked their supporters to keep calm as they await further communication on the next course of action.