NUP offices cordoned off as security stops prayers

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Businesses in Kamwokya and surrounding areas have been forced to close. It came after the military and the police stopped National Unity Platform-NUP supporters and their leaders from converging at their headquarters for a press conference and national prayers for those allegedly killed, arrested and kidnapped in the three years of the party’s existence.

NUP party President Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine was set to be the chief celebrant. However, this morning police and army sealed off all roads leading to the NUP Headquarters and blocked both traffic and pedestrians. Those who insisted on moving were promptly arrested and driven to Kira Road police station. It is not yet known how many have been arrested so far.

However, among those arrested are NUP Secretary General, David Lewis Rubongoya, Spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi and Fred Nyanzi, the Secretary for mobilization. The trio is being kept at Kira Road police.  Also arrested is a one Bishop Tomusange William from Mityana, who was slated to lead the prayers.

Speaking at the check point where he was stopped from continuing to the NUP offices, Tomusange said it was unfortunate that the government was stopping people from holding prayers on a day that Uganda gained independence.

He said independence means nothing if people’s basic rights are taken away at the whims of state actors. He said he had come to lead prayers because every day is the day of prayer and their role as religious leaders is to pray for the country for God to bring change in the country.

Before their arrest, Ssenyonyi said they were surprised by the security deployment. He said as a political party, they have a right to meet their supporters for whatever activities they deem fit. He said they will continue to push ahead with their plans until the country is liberated from the hands of President Museveni who is holding it hostage.

For his part, Rubongoya expressed concern over the arrest of his party members for no good reason. He said what has happened today is testimony that the state is very fearful the same people it claims to be ruling.

For his part Alex Waiswa Mufumbiro, the NUP deputy spokesperson said the security forces actions of arresting people shows that Uganda is not yet independent. He however added that such actions do nothing but embolden them to continue pushing for change in Uganda.

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