KAMPALA – Security for the two-day nomination exercise of all presidential aspirants is guaranteed, Inspector General of Police Martins Okoth-Ochola has said.
Addressing journalists in Kampala on Sunday, November 1, 2020, Mr Ochola while there is no credible threat directed towards the presidential nominations, they could be a target for acts of civil disobedience such as sabotage, street violent strikes and demonstrations.
“We would like to inform and reassure all the Presidential Aspirants that their safety and security is guaranteed. The Joint Security Agencies have spent considerable time planning for the nominations, and we do feel confident about countering all forms of threats and security hazards. In our security master plan, we have developed a multi-agency tactical response; before, during and after the nominations, which involves a mix of highly visible and non-visible resources, deployed in and around the venue, to detect, deter and disrupt any range of criminal activity,” he said.
“In addition, we have specialist teams at selected locations, others patrolling in rapid reaction formations, CCTV monitoring teams, dedicated K9 teams, crowd dispersal teams, to counter all forms of illegal activities and violent demonstrations, that could compromise public safety and public security,” he added.
The IGP warned that all candidates seeking to cause commotion at the venue risk arrest.
“For those political actors and groups that are still defiant and mobilizing Boda Boda riders and militias onto the streets; and ferrying supporters from upcountry into illegal processions and rallies; we are closely monitoring them. Therefore, any Presidential Aspirant who mobilizes boda bodas for a procession risks being arrested including those boda boda riders. We have plans to respond proportionately, in the face of violent crime, which may include the use of teargas to disperse these violent groups and arrest the culprits for prosecution,” he said.
