CP Fred Enanga, Police Spokesperson has urged the public to ignore the threats from scare mongers.
In the last couple of days, individuals and groups, from within the country and abroad have been instructing all members of the public to stay in their homes for three days, from the 25th to the 27th of July, 2022.
According to Enanga, the joint security agencies are aware of the mission adding they are promoting hate, panic and fear, among Ugandans and visitors in the country.
The alleged messages are being shared through videos, audio and text messages. Enanga says the messages are of malicious propaganda.
He also explains that 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 three days, they claim their alleged protests will transition, into open street demonstrations and mass uprisings, to purposely cause change in government. These are illegitimate and unconstitutional means that we do strongly condemn,” he says.
Enanga says similar scare tactics were used by the same individuals and political groups, in February, 2021, in the aftermath of the General Elections, adding that their ill intentioned plans were rejected by the public, after realising that the authors and organisers, were rallying support for street violence and civil uprisings for selfish political gain.
This time, he said, they are using the surge in commodity and fuel costs to incite unrest, adding that many countries, including the most developed, are also grappling with inflation as they attempt to return to normalcy.
“We therefore, urge all Ugandans and visitors in the country, not to get swayed by the fear tactics, mongering and inflammatory rhetoric, by the selected individuals, political groups and sponsored bloggers,’’ he urges.
He said 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 said.
The police officer also further assured Ugandans and visitors in the country to remain steadfast and committed saying they are 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,’ he assured.