Non-essential staff working at Parliament have been ordered to stay home for two weeks in anticipation of any potential chaos that may erupt from the peaceful march against corruption, the Kampala Report has learnt.
Some of the non-essential staff include contract workers and interns while visitors have also been restricted to the Parliament Building. Those making deliveries have also been directed to carry IDs and will also be asked to drop the items and drive or ride off immediately.
Police have also stepped up deployment around Parliament Building, with sniffer dogs checking any property or luggage being brought to the House.
This comes as police on Monday warned that the planned march to Parliament is illegal because it has been hijacked by some people seeking to destabilize the country.
Kituuma Rusoke, the police spokesman, on Monday told journalists that they met the organisers of the protest march and communicated this position.
“The Uganda Police Force (UPF) has clearly articulated its position regarding recent events. on July 15, 2024, UPF issued a warning to unidentified individuals engaged in a mobilization campaign across social media platforms. On that date, these individuals notified the Inspector General of Police about their intention to march to parliament by way of precession and demonstration,” he said.
“The mobilization placards called upon Ugandans to occupy all streets in Kampala as part of their march to parliament. such a mass occupation of the streets from the police perspective would likely result in significant traffic congestion, disruption of trade, and disturbances to public order.
In an effort to dissuade the organizers from this potentially anarchic approach, UPF met with them on July 18, 2024, at police headquarters. Following a thorough security assessment regarding the feasibility of a political procession, the UPF has formally advised the organizers and urges them to heed this counsel. We reiterate our position that UPF shall not tolerate disorderly conduct,” he added.
During the Saturday televised address, Mr Museveni who started by detailing how his poverty alleviation initiatives have put money in multiple pockets, concluded his almost three-hour talk with a warning to Uganda’s Gen Zs over tomorrow’s anti-graft march.
“These people are unfair and inconsiderate and should check themselves or we will have no alternative but to check them. “Don’t be tempted to bring chaos, step on people’s products on the road,” he warned,
Adding, “When you demonstrate in a place like Kampala, people are selling their products on the roadside. Are you going to step on people’s products? You are playing. Do not have such ideas in your head.”
In his advice, Mr Museveni asked the protesters organisers to wait for a day like Sunday when there are few people in the city and march to Kololo, where they will discuss their issues nicely and politely about what they want to talk about.
The President advised the disgruntled protesters to contact the former Head of State House Anti-Corruption Unit Brig Col Edith Nakalema who organized the December 2021 Anti-corruption walk to Kololo, where he endorsed the IGG Beti Kamya’s anti-corruption strategy, so that the walk can be organized.