FDC adamant on Independence Day celebrations

Police has said its not aware of plans by the opposition to conduct Independence Day celebrations at Katwe grounds in Kampala.

"We have not received any letter to that effect" the Katwe Division Police Commander Frantile Lwamusayi said.

Quoting the Public Order Management Act (POMA), Lwamusayi said in the event that anyone is to hold a function, prior to Police notice, the law shall take its course.

Opposition leaders were earlier in the week cautioned against organising parallel Independence Day rallies, saying that all Ugandans are expected to embrace national celebrations, which will be held in Luuka district on Sunday.

The Minister for Presidency, Esther Mbayo Mbulakubuza, said Ugandans who will hold parallel celebrations will be dealt with.

Mbayo's warning came at a time when Kampala Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago, and former presidential candidate, Dr. Col. Kizza Besigye, announced a series of parallel rallies to commemorate the celebrations.

However, speaking to New Vision, Ibrahim Semujju Nganda the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) spokesperson said he wrote to the Inspector General of Police, Gen Kale Kayihura, 10 days ago informing him of the activities.

"The IGP told us the country has only one national celebration.  But according to the POMA, our role is to notify Police and therefore we plan to go ahead with our activities" Nganda said.