DP rally venue illegal â€" Police
Jun 07, 2008
THE Police has said the Democratic Party cannot hold a rally at the Clock Tower grounds because the place is the subject of a court case.
By Herbert Ssempogo
THE Police has said the Democratic Party cannot hold a rally at the Clock Tower grounds because the place is the subject of a court case.
In what could have been a last warning to the party, whose members vow to converge today, the Police pointed out that not halting the demonstration would be against Court, which slapped an injunction on activities on the disputed land.
“We are reliably informed that the grounds belong to the Tabliq sect of the Islamic community and permission has not been sought from them,†a June 5 letter by Kampala Extra Deputy police chief, Erick Ssemakula, read in part.
“This is to bring to your attention that the grounds are under dispute and the matter is still in court from which an injunction has been issued stipulating that there should not be any function on the grounds until the dispute is resolved by courts of law.â€
Tabliq sect chairman Sheik Sulaiman Kakeeto confirmed that Wahid Karim of the Uganda Muslim Sports Club dragged them to court shortly after city authorities granted them a 49-year lease about five years ago.
Court, Kakeeto added, ordered that no activity should be held at the grounds until the case is disposed of.
However, Idd prayers are still held at the grounds.
The Democratic Party, led by John Ssebaana Kizito wanted to celebrate a recent Court judgment in which it nullified Section 32 of the Police Act by the Constitutional Court last week.
The section gives the Inspector General of Police powers to stop any public rally or procession he thought would cause breach of peace.
Following the ruling, elated DP members vowed to storm the Clock Tower grounds where a rally dubbed “Bye Bye tear gas†would be held.
THE Police has said the Democratic Party cannot hold a rally at the Clock Tower grounds because the place is the subject of a court case.
In what could have been a last warning to the party, whose members vow to converge today, the Police pointed out that not halting the demonstration would be against Court, which slapped an injunction on activities on the disputed land.
“We are reliably informed that the grounds belong to the Tabliq sect of the Islamic community and permission has not been sought from them,†a June 5 letter by Kampala Extra Deputy police chief, Erick Ssemakula, read in part.
“This is to bring to your attention that the grounds are under dispute and the matter is still in court from which an injunction has been issued stipulating that there should not be any function on the grounds until the dispute is resolved by courts of law.â€
Tabliq sect chairman Sheik Sulaiman Kakeeto confirmed that Wahid Karim of the Uganda Muslim Sports Club dragged them to court shortly after city authorities granted them a 49-year lease about five years ago.
Court, Kakeeto added, ordered that no activity should be held at the grounds until the case is disposed of.
However, Idd prayers are still held at the grounds.
The Democratic Party, led by John Ssebaana Kizito wanted to celebrate a recent Court judgment in which it nullified Section 32 of the Police Act by the Constitutional Court last week.
The section gives the Inspector General of Police powers to stop any public rally or procession he thought would cause breach of peace.
Following the ruling, elated DP members vowed to storm the Clock Tower grounds where a rally dubbed “Bye Bye tear gas†would be held.