Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abbas Byakagaba has suspended all National Unity Platform (NUP) rallies, just two days after they were initially cleared.
The suspension follows a chaotic procession on Masaka Road on Friday, which resulted in three deaths and several crashes.
Police spokesperson Fred Enanga, speaking on behalf of IGP Byakagaba, announced the suspension on Friday.
“The police management has decided to halt any further consultative activities of NUP as a party with immediate effect until this matter is conclusively investigated and resolved,” Enanga stated.
Byakagaba cited the NUP’s “lawlessness” and disregard for public safety, pointing out that the party’s convoy caused significant traffic congestion and accidents along the Kampala-Masaka highway.
Despite NUP leader Bobi Wine’s warnings to his supporters to ride carefully, the procession turned chaotic, leading to the tragic loss of three lives in Maya, Nsangi sub-county.
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Luke Owoyesigyire, deputy spokesperson for Kampala metropolitan police, attributed the fatal crashes to reckless driving and excessive speed by NUP supporters. Over 10 people were injured and rushed to various health facilities.
IGP Byakagaba emphasized that the police would not tolerate any further disregard for public order and safety. “Whoever acts contrary to public order and safety shall be held accountable under the laws of the country,” he warned.
The suspension of NUP rallies is a significant setback for the party, which had planned a rally in Mityana Municipality on Tuesday. Bobi Wine and his supporters have been accused of flouting agreed-upon guidelines for their consultative meetings, leading to the police crackdown.
 Abbas Byakagaba has suspended all National Unity Platform (NUP) rallies, just two days after they were initially cleared.){kind=link}