By Amos Ssemuwemba
In a controversial turn of events, police have blocked an event organized to celebrate the life and work of Hon. Jolly Mugisha, the Deputy President of the National Unity Platform (NUP). The gathering, set to take place at Nyamityobora Grounds in Mbarara, faced heavy police deployment, with officers preventing access to the venue and driving away service providers.
Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, the President of NUP, took to the X platform (formerly Twitter) to express his outrage at the incident, calling it a “cowardly and shameless move” by the government. In his statement, Kyagulanyi claimed that the Regional Police Commander (RPC), Bagambaki Wilfred, informed the organizers that the event could not proceed without explicit permission from the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
“This morning, the RPC said he has orders not to allow this function unless we get permission from the IGP,” Kyagulanyi posted. He further condemned the government’s actions, accusing them of suppressing freedom of assembly, even in death. “So shameless, so cowardly,” Kyagulanyi remarked, expressing frustration at the regime’s interference in what was intended to be a peaceful commemoration.
Despite the setback, Kyagulanyi emphasized that the NUP remains resolute in honoring the legacy of Hon. Mugisha, whose contributions to the party and the nation have been significant.
The government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, but this development has further stoked concerns over increasing restrictions on opposition activities in the country.
