Police block DP faction meet

KAMPALA - Police on Friday blocked of leadership convention for Truth and Justice, an opposition pressure group composed of Democratic Party leaders mainly leaning to Kampala Lord Mayor Elias Lukwago.

The meeting was slated to take place at St. Matia Mulumba Catholic Church in Kampala.

But it was stopped shortly after the introduction of members when Police led by the DPC of Old Kampala Charles Nsaba entered the hall and disconnected the microphones and speakers.

The hall doors were closed and the gate leading to the hall was cordoned off by Police. Shortly after, the group members and journalists were ordered to leave the scene.

Kampala North Regional Police Commander Moses Ekudot told the group to seek more guidance. (Credit: Wilson Manishimwe)

Nsaba insisted that the group's meeting was illegal since they had not been cleared by police.

Zake told the members that he had written to the Inspector General of Police office on March 21 informing him about the convention and Police replied to him that he would be informed in case they didn't give him a go-ahead.

"By failure of Police to inform me, it was an indication that we had been granted a go-ahead for the convention. I am surprised why Police is acting in this way," he said.

Chaos erupted when the Police officers ordered everybody out of the hall and the group reacted by shouting in disgruntlement.

MP Kato Lubwama said it was a show of cowardice on the part of police. (Credit: Wilson Manishimwe)

The Kampala North Regional Police Commander Moses Ekudot said if IGP's office had allowed them to convene their convention, the communication would have been put in writing. He asked them to seek more guidance and clearance from Police before holding such meetings.

Different leaders such as Rubaga MP Kato Lubwama and Elias Lukwago condemned police's Friday intervention, saying they could have left people to deliberate on issues affecting them. Lukwago said such acts also indicate a failing government.

Kawempe Division Mayor Emmanuel Serunjonji said it's unfortunate that group members had travelled from different parts of the Kampala and Masaka for the convention and end up being failed.