Joint Security Agencies have lauded Ugandans for ignoring the scare tactics and politics of fear being employed by individuals and political groups.
According to Police Spokesperson, CP Fred Enanga, security forces continue to provide protective cover to Ugandans and visitors who left their homes to go to work, travel, take children to school and other normal daily activities without fear.
“For those that are still sceptical and still in their homes, we urge them to ignore the overblown rhetoric. As a country, fear can mislead us, and that is precisely why politicians use it abundantly in their rhetoric.”
He said they jump on every sensitive topic, not with constructive efforts but fear-mongering and that most of them are using social media for holding secret meetings for physical violence.
“For those who continue to use fear-mongering to advance their political agendas or incite supporters. They should know that it is tantamount to incitement to violence and other related offences.”
He said for instance, in the Kawempe division, politicians used the stay-at-home protests to mobilize their agents and operatives.
These include; Ssenono Denis aka Den City, a Councillor, Kawesa Andrew, a councillor, Nyanzi Fred Ssentamu (a brother to National Unity Platform leader Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine), Emmanuel Sserunjoni, Mayor Kawempe Division, Mohmmad Nsubuga, Councillor, Bagonza Thomas, a councillor and Kemigisha Sharon, a councillor.
They created several flash points in Bwaise, Kaleirwe, Mpererwe and Kutano trading center, where they were blocking people from going to work.
Another hotspot was created at Nakulabye junction, Elliot bar, Kasubi traffic lights, Munaku Trading Centre, Nataliya and Masanafu, Rubaga Road, Mussajjalumbwa, Mwanga II Road, New Taxi Park, Veterans Market and Lungujja zone.
In Bulenga, the Kunga ring leaders were identified as Mutebi John and Katumba Moses, LC1 chairperson Bulenga Kikaya A.
They planned on instigating riots at Wakiso Kayunga junction, Bulenga-Kikaya, Bulenga- Musoke Road, Kireka Bbira, Kisamura Trading Centre, Buloba, Forest Park boda stage, Wakiso Namusera, among others.
Their plans were aimed at blocking roads leading to the city center with logs, stones, tyres, etc.
“We want to use this opportunity to caution the public to avoid being manipulated through fear. When dealing with political and social issues, we need to reflect and assess our options rationally, rather than succumbing to impulsive reactions,” said Enanga.
“For instance, none of the individuals and political groups have come up with credible solutions to the surge in commodity and fuel prices. Instead, they want to use fear to paralyze people’s ability to reason and lead them into a vicious and potentially violent cycle.”
