Police hold Kyagulanyi supporters over COVID-19 guidelines

The Police in North Kyoga region, under the command of the Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police Paul Nkore, have arrested National Unity Platform leaders, including the party deputy president, Dr. Lina Zedriga Waru, for defying the Police guidelines. 

North Kyoga regional police spokesperson Michael Odongo confirmed the arrest, noting that the leaders had defied the Police on the issue of processions and were detained at Lolo Police Station. Odongo noted that the group declined to follow instructions from police. Five suspects were held. 

Kyagulanyi issued a statement shortly after the arrest, accusing the Police of locking up Dr. Waru in a cell together with men. "They are all detained in a small crowded cell. Moreover, she is detained in the same cell with men," Kyagulanyi stated. 

He also noted that the officer in charge of Oyam police station, one Tumwine, used excessive force and beat up and arrested NUP supporters. "I have told Mr. Nkore and Mr. Tumwine to act professionally," Kyagulanyi stated. Kyagulanyi is currently in Oyam and is supposed to head to Lira to address his final rally. 

The arrest of the NUP leaders comes hardly a day after the Electoral Commission (EC) asked the Police to take action against candidates who defy campaign guidelines in garnering for support ahead of the 2021 general elections. 

EC chairperson Simon Byabakama noted that some candidates, including presidential candidates, are holding their campaigns in a manner that violates the guidelines for conducting of campaign meetings. 

"Non-compliance with the guidelines issued for the campaign period will necessitate intervention by law enforcing agencies among other measures.  The Commission wishes to emphasise that the health and safety of voters, their families, candidates, security personnel, the media and the general public should be of paramount consideration," Byabakama warned in a statement. 

He said it's unacceptable for any presidential, parliamentary and local government council candidate to mobilise their supporters to gather at campaign venues in large numbers, make impromptu stopovers in trading centres, attract and address public gatherings along busy highways from their car rooftops. 

The Commission noted that some candidates and their supporters are not wearing face masks during public meetings which put all participants, including the candidates at the risk of contracting COVID-19.  

"The Commission reiterates that processions and public/mass rallies remain banned in accordance with the measures put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19," he noted. 

Byabakama warned some candidates who conduct processions along public roads, through towns and trading centres also hold rallies in non-designated venues as per the harmonised campaign programme.