The Uganda Police Force and UPDF have condemned the political statements made by Mukono Municipality Member of Parliament, Betty Nambooze, matching security numbers to the population during unrest, and said she will be arrested to answer for her inciting statements in court.
During one of her weekend rallies in Mukono, Nambooze strongly criticized security agencies, including police, UPDF, and Prisons, stating that 180,000 security personnel can’t stop 45 million Ugandans from liberating Uganda.
In the viral video, Nambooze is heard estimating that the entire armed forces don’t exceed 18,0000 security personnel, after subtracting presidential security details and Uganda’s border guarding security.
“When you subtract the numbers guarding the president and those on border points, can the remaining numbers stop the 45 million Ugandans from liberating Uganda?” Nambooze said. “Don’t be scared. Museveni is scared of soldiers, out of 10, only one is armed with ammunition, and the others hold empty guns.”
She added: “Those you see with electric wires, their guns are always empty, it’s only one with bullets, and that’s the one we have to hunt. Don’t be scared, those you’re scared of are actually the ones scared of you.”
Over the weekend the UPDF, expressed concern over NUP’s rhetoric, particularly statements made by some leaders, including Nambooze. Its spokesperson, Col Chris Magyezi, said these statements aim to incite young Ugandans into violent confrontations with security forces.
Magyezi condemned the calls to violence by some political actors and appeal to Ugandans to reject them and adhere to Article 17 of the Constitution of Uganda. The Uganda Police spokesperson, Kituuma Rusoke, has echoed the condemnation, stating that police will take action against such statements and charge those responsible.
Police typically don’t comment on politicians’ statements, but when we do, it is serious; once I come out and comment, just know there’s something coming,” Rusoke warned.
He has said that Police will act accordingly, implying consequences for Nambooze and others making similar statements.
But speaking to Uganda Radio Network-URN, Nambooze has denied inciting violence allegations, urging the public and police to follow laws for peaceful elections. She suggested her words might be edited for the basis to charging her.
She said: “I haven’t incited the public to attack police, it is President Museveni who said that police and army has 120 bullets. For me I only urge people to respect the laws, but also police to respect the citizen, and good relationship between each other. I only urge them not to fear police but respect it.”
She has however, suggested that her statements might’ve been edited to fit charges against her.
In recent addresses in the Greater Masaka region, President Museveni warned NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine) and other opposition leaders against inciting violence.
He stated that each police officer and soldier has 120 rounds of ammunition and asked the opposition to calculate the potential consequences of confronting security officers.
Museveni’s statements sparked reactions, with human rights groups and political analysts criticizing the president’s stance on protests.
Ugandans are set to vote on the 15th, amidst tensions and fears of violence following clashes between opposition and security forces during campaigns. The opposition consistently accuse the Electoral Commission of being ineffective.
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