Police okays FDC's thanksgiving ceremony

The Inspector General of Police Martine Okoth Ochola has given the party president of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) Eng. Patrick Oboi Amuriat a green light for his thanksgiving ceremony slated for this Saturday in Soroti town.

However, Ochola has set a condition for the organisers to follow so that they will not clash with the security.

"Police has no objection to your intended activity however, ensure that there are no processions to and fro and ensure that peace and public order management are maintained," reads the letter in part, signed by Assuman Mugenyi on behalf of Ochola.

The party had planned to welcome Amuriat and his team from Awoja Bridge but the Police directive will now not allow that.

The regional police commander Kyoga East Maxwell Ogwal this morning told the press in Soroti town that Amuriat and his team should stick to the rules for peace.

"Should they refuse to adhere to the IGP's directive, we shall stop them because we do not want them to disorganise business in town," RPC Ogwal said.

Regional police commander Kyoga, East Maxwell Ogwal

Paul Omer the steering chairman for the function said, they will comply with the police and by press time tents were being erected at the sports ground.

Eng. Amuriat told the New Vision that he will be joined by top party leaders including the former FDC presidential candidate Dr. Kizza Besigye.

"I would have held this function soon after my election but I failed due to wrangles that rocked the party however, those issues have been solved and it's time for me to thank God for making me win the presidency of the leading opposition party," Amuriat said.

Amuriat the former Kumi county MP is the first Etesot to lead a leading political party in the country.

He trounced retired Maj. Gen. Mugisha Muntu in the 2017 polls. Many believe that Muntu's departure to form a new party was as a result of losing to Amuriat who many under rated.

Teso is excited to have their own return to thank God who elevated him that that position.

"He is our brother that we love him so much. That's the reason why we wanted to receive him and his entourage from Awoja but Police are limiting us," said Tom Julius Ekudo, an enthusiastic supporter of Amuriat.