A number of Joint Security Agencies have flocked to the city center following repeated threats by some discontented Ugandans considering strikes over high commodity prices.
The Joint Security Agencies have Monday flocked to the city center following continuous threats by some discomforted Ugandans planning to strike over skyrocketing commodity prices.
The police Sunday said they are aware of individuals and groups, from within the country and abroad, that are promoting hate, panic and fear, among Ugandans and visitors in the countryside, through videos, audio and text messages of malicious propaganda, instructing all members of the public to stay in their homes for three days from 25th to the 27th of July, 2022 as part of their alleged campaign against inflation in the country.
According to Fred Enanga the police spokesperson, the strikes are illegitimate and unconstitutional and thus they will not allow them to happen.
“The authors of the recordings in an aggressive tone, further issue threats of attack to persons, who are against their stay-at-home orders. After the 3 days, they claim their alleged protests will transition, into open street demonstrations and mass uprisings, to purposely cause change in government.”
Enanga reminded that the similar scare tactics were used by the same individuals and political groups, in February, 2021, in the aftermath of the General Elections.
“However, their ill intentioned plans were rejected by the public, after realizing that the authors and organizers, were rallying support for street violence and civil uprisings, for their selfish political advantages. This time, they are using the surge in commodity and fuel prices to call for violence,” he said.
In addition, he raised that the issue of commodity prices is not only in Uganda but world over with many developed countries also grappling with inflation.
The police spokesperson urges the public not to get swayed by the fear tactics, mongering and inflammatory rhetoric, by the selected individuals, political groups and sponsored bloggers.
He suggested they should instead look for better ways of expressing their dissatisfaction about the economy, without fronting violence.
“Right now, many citizens have families to feed, have to go to work, pay taxes, children are in schools and they all deserve the right to go about their activities, without fear or intimidation,” Enanga adds.
“As the Joint Security Agencies, we want to reassure all Ugandans and visitors in the country, that we remain steadfast and committed, to protecting the lives and properties of each and everyone. Our task teams are ready to prevent, deter, stop and prosecute all perpetrators behind these scare tactics, aimed at causing violence and civil uprisings.”
