Police Caution Political Groups Against ‘Kunga Stay-at-Home Protests’

Police have revealed that there are new plans by selected individuals and political groups to promote another round of “KUNGA” stay-at-home protests on August 15-16, 2022, allegedly against high prices of commodities in the country.

Police Spokesperson, SCP Fred Enanga, told media that plans are similar to the KUNGA protests of July 25 – 27 which attracted some small pockets of riots and political demonstrations in Namulesa, Mafubira, Wairaka and Nakabango in Jinja district.

Enanga said as a result of the protests, 162 suspects were arrested for obstruction of the road, destruction of the road, looting of shops, incitement to violence, and holding unlawful assemblies among others.

Out of the 162, 105 were taken to court and remanded.

He said even this time, the same strategy is being used but warned that it will backfire because it is baseless and has no solutions given to Ugandans to compel them to stay-at-home.

He said these are simply using the global crisis and inflation to invoke fears in the public and motivate them to support their politics.

“We wish to remind Ugandans and visitors to continue living in peace and dignity. Whoever feels intimidated should contact the nearest police for assistance, because no one has the right to restrict their movement to work, take children to school, or go about their daily activities,” he said.

Enanga said the police are well prepared to respond proportionately against all perpetrators of violent crime and lawlessness.

He urged the public to stop sharing such baseless messages by politicians and enemies of Uganda who are bent on disrupting the prevailing peace, safety and security in the country.

He further noted that police are not targeting free speech rights but remain focused on a sophisticated campaign of instigating violence and civil uprisings in the country.