Thread by @UgandaMediaCent

Presser: AIGP Edward Ochom, Director of Operations @PoliceUg on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, is addressing the media about electoral guidelines during the ongoing General Elections.

Live stream link: facebook.com/UgandaMediaCen… #SecurityUG

Ochom: As you are aware, the political campaigns have entered day nine, for Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Government positions #SecurityUG

Ochom: Although the guidelines issued by the Electoral Commission are clear, we continue to witness candidates and their agents holding unauthorized rallies, processions and assemblies #SecurityUG

Ochom: Unlike 2016, this time we are faced with a pandemic that can only be controlled if we adhere to @MinofHealthUG with regulated gatherings of not more than 200 people and the use of new media, to help safeguard the health and safety of all Ugandans and visitors #SecurityUG

Ochom: While we understand the right to freedom of expression as a very important part of democracy, unauthorized assemblies are currently prohibited under the @UgandaEC and @MinofHealthUG guidelines.

Ochom: As a result, the safety and security of all candidates, their agents and the successful conduct of the political campaigns remains a top priority. Fortunately, all candidates are aware of these guidelines #SecurityUG

Ochom: During these first 9 days, we have repeatedly cautioned all individual actors and political groups, against acts of civil disobedience #SecurityUG

Ochom: In an effort to maintain the integrity of the Electoral Process, the @UgandaEC and law enforcement agencies reached out to all candidates and their campaign agents to discourage violence #SecurityUG

Ochom: Despite repeated warnings issued to candidates, their agents and wider public about the negative impact and health risks of holding unauthorized rallies and processions, we continue to witness acts of defiance and total disregard of the EC guidelines #SecurityUG

Ochom: Therefore, those who shall defy these Electoral Commission guidelines with their sinister plans aimed at disrupting the Electoral process will definitely suffer consequences #SecurityUG

Ochom: We have, therefore, adopted a tougher approach to preserve the integrity of the electoral process. We have dispatched our specialist teams and quick reaction teams, to identify ring leaders (and principals) for apprehension in the face of crime #SecurityUG

Ochom: We have disseminated our comprehensive policing plan to all territorial commanders for them to implement without fear or favor #SecurityUG

Ochom: The Electoral & Political Offences Department at CID headquarters has obtained videos of the respective campaign trails & started gathering evidence to press formal charges on candidates campaign agents & influencers who are caught on the wrong side of the law #SecurityUG

Ochom: Once again, we would like to inform and reassure all Ugandans that covid-19 is real. As we tighten our enforcement mechanisms, we urge all members of the public to be very vigilant and cautious during the political campaigns #SecurityUG

Ochom: We remain confident that we shall deliver a peaceful campaign process where the rights of all Ugandans are protected #SecurityUG