Police beefs up security over traders' demo

By Vision Reporter

Police have beefed up security in Kampala and surrounding areas following reports of planned unlawful and violent activities linked to traders’ demonstration.

Police Chief Gen. Kale Kayihura said in a statement issued Tuesday that Police has been beefed up by other security agencies to ensure that law and order are maintained.  

BELOW IS THE PRESS RELEASE

This is to alert the general public that the Uganda Police, supported by sister security agencies, will, from today increase our presence in the City and surrounding areas following reports of planned unlawful, and violent activities, partly, linked to the decision by KACITA (Kampala City Traders Association) to implement their threat to close shops today, Tuesday, 25th June 2013, in spite of the ongoing efforts by the Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, Amelia Kyambadde, to address the concerns of traders on the new programme requiring pre-shipment inspection of imported goods in the countries of origin, before they enter into the Ugandan market.

 Noteworthy, this programme is intended to stop importation of substandard goods which have been flooding the Ugandan market to the disadvantage of the consumers and the general public. So it is a good and essential programme for the country which everybody including KACITA should embrace and support.

We are aware that the Minister has twice in less than a week met the executive committee of KACITA, the last meeting having been held, yesterday, Monday, 24th June 2013, in the afternoon, at the headquarters of the Ministry of Trade.  We are aware that progress has been made in those meetings, and another meeting is scheduled for Monday, 1 July, 2013.  In those meetings, which Police has attended, the Minister exhibited flexibility, and was quite sympathetic, and receptive to the suggestions of the KACITA leadership.  

Accordingly, therefore, there is no reason for KACITA to resort to this extreme measure of closing shops, and causing inconveniences, both to the traders, and consumers.  In any case, while we cannot stop an individual trader from closing his/her shop, we shall not tolerate anybody who obstructs, intimidates or in any other way stops traders who wish to keep their shops open.

 Indeed, one of the main objectives of our heightened security presence is to ensure that the law abiding business community continues with their businesses undisturbed.  We urge the KACITA leadership to continue with dialogue at the negotiating table, with the Minister of Trade and her team, and avoid unlawful activities aimed at disrupting normal life in the City and surrounding areas.

Further, we are, also, aware, of evil plans by certain individuals, and groups to cause chaos in the City and the country, opportunistically, taking advantage of situations such as the current one (KACITA/Ministry of Trade standoff).  We caution the youth who are being mobilized, and deceived to engage in violent and unlawful activities in the City and surrounding areas. You should refuse to be used by individuals/groups who have dangerous agendas against our country. It is not in your interest. In any case, you will be held individual liable for any breaches of the law that you engage in.

Otherwise, let me assure the business community, in particular, and the public in general, that the security agencies led by the Police shall ensure your security as you go about your business. We, only request that, as you usually do, exercise vigilance, and assist us to counter wrong elements.

 Identify trouble makers, especially those threatening traders; places where used tyres are being stored for burning to block roads; or vehicles transporting and distributing such tyres; or any other suspicious individuals, groups or activities.  

Gen Kale Kayihura
Inspector General of Police
25TH June 2013