Bobi Wine consultations do not meet POMA guidelines - Police

The police have said the public consultations by Presidential hopeful Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine have failed to kick off today because he did not follow the guidelines as per the Public Order Management Act (POMA).

This was revealed today (January 6, 2020) by the Police spokesperson, Fred Enanga during the Police weekly briefing held at the Police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala.

According to Police, Kyagulanyi, the Kyadondo East Legislator who also doubles as the People Power pressure group leader is using the consultations as a tool of upfront campaigns that conflicts the Electoral Commission roadmap.

"Although he claims he met all the legal requirements by the Electoral Commission, we would like to inform the public that the provisions in the POMA were not fully met," Enanga said.

The Act stipulates that all Political Actors and Organizers intending to hold public meetings should as a requirement; notify the IGP, 14 days in advance and less than 3 days. "The request should indicate the date, time location, size, purpose and other basic information which is justified on such grounds to ensure the smooth conduct of the public meetings.

But for this case, Kyagulanyi, does not avail proof of a closed venue as agreed and the number of delegates or participants expected," Enanga explained.

Police also denied accusations from political actors and groups that it is favoring the ruling Political party and oppressing the opposition. "We have worked well with political parties like DP, FDC, and ANT among others and have held peaceful meetings. We congratulate them on that and encourage the ‘People Power' pressure group to emulate them," he added.

The Police also cautioned all District Police Commanders (DPCs) to be alert on politicians who organize consultations and meetings in their homes and they do it illegally. "All police commanders are hereby ordered to disallow any meetings or consultations conducted in homes without police notice," Enanga said.

Prior, Enanga said 16 people were arrested including three legislators for having disobeyed lawful orders and organizing lawful assembly. "The arrested legislators are Robert Kyagulanyi, Latif Ssebagala, Asuman Basalirwa, and 13 other delegates and are detained at Kasangati Police.