Police in Kigezi have issued strict security guidelines ahead of President Yoweri Museveni’s three-day campaign tour of the region, urging the public to remain alert and avoid carrying suspicious items during rallies.
Museveni, the NRM presidential flag bearer, is expected to begin campaigns on Monday in Kisoro and Rubanda districts, proceed to Rukiga and Kabale on Tuesday and conclude in Kanungu and Rukungiri on Wednesday.
In a statement on Sunday, Kigezi regional police spokesperson Elly Maate said security forces had stepped up preparations to ensure order throughout the visit.
‘The presidential candidate of NRM party who doubles as the president of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected in the Kigezi region starting on Monday November 24 up to Wednesday November 26 as scheduled by the Electoral Commission. Remember he is the fountain of honor and therefore he must be accorded his full honors as required. As I talk security is guaranteed in the region for his scheduled campaign rallies,’ Maate said.
He advised members of the public to avoid moving with dangerous or suspicious items, including piercing objects and large bags, especially in crowded areas. He also urged residents, supporters and all stakeholders to respect security instructions throughout the campaign period.
‘All those preparing to be part of the same activity. should endeavour to do everything within the confines of the law for the maintenance of order for its peacefulness, follow security guidelines and only do what is expected of them and avoid moving with suspicious items of any kind. and remain security conscious and vigilant 24/7 for their own personal security and for others,’ Maate said.
Preparations for Museveni’s visit intensified on Saturday as State Minister for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives David Bahati, who is also MP for Ndorwa West, led groups of youth and NRM supporters in cleaning Katuna border post and Kabale town. The teams decorated main streets with Museveni’s campaign posters.
‘As NRM party stakeholders, we shall make sure that people from the rural sub-counties are transported to Kabale town to welcome president Museveni and demonstrate their support to his candidature,’ Bahati said.
Civil servants in both Rubanda and Kabale districts have been directed to attend the presidential rallies. Notices issued by the district chief administrative officers last week instructed staff to appear in person at the campaign events.
‘The purpose of this letter is to invite you to attend the president’s campaign rally in person without fail and keep time to listen to the historical mission of transforming Uganda,’ Rubanda CAO Samuel Ahabwe wrote on November 20.
Kabale CAO Ronald Mutegeki issued a similar directive on November 19.