The National Unity Platform (NUP) is set to resume its countrywide tour tomorrow, July 15th, after a brief hiatus following a fatal accident on May 31st, 2024, that resulted in the death of three people and two serious injuries.
The tour will kick off in Bundibugyo, Uganda’s largest producer of cocoa, on July 15th and will continue to other districts including Ishaka on July 16th, Bushenyi on July 17th, Rukungiri on July 18th, Ntungamo on July 19th, and Isingiro on July 20th.
The police had banned NUP activities on May 31st, 2024, citing the fatal accident that occurred during the party’s procession to Masaka. However, after a meeting between the police and NUP leadership on July 11th, 2024, the ban was lifted, and the party was allowed to resume its activities.
According to a police statement released by Deputy Police PRO, ACP Nabakka S. Claire, “The meeting reviewed the CCTV footage of the 31st May 2024 NUP procession from Kampala to Masaka and observed that the vehicles involved were overloaded, and the drivers were speeding recklessly.”
The statement further quoted Nabakka as saying, “We appeal to the public to observe law and order at all times as a measure towards ensuring the safety of persons and their property. We shall continue to engage not only with NUP leadership but also with other political parties and organizations.”
The police and NUP leadership agreed on several resolutions, including the stopping of carrying people on motor vehicle rooftops, excess passengers in vehicles, over speeding, and moving in convoys. The NUP leadership was also urged to take responsibility for the conduct of their members.
As stated in the police document, “Carrying people on motor vehicle rooftops must immediately stop. Carrying excess passengers in vehicles should also stop. Over speeding is an offense and must stop. Moving in a convoy of many motor vehicles and motorcycles from Kampala to upcountry locations is not allowed.”
The driver of the vehicle involved in the accident, Lule Fred, was arrested and charged with reckless driving and causing death through reckless driving. According to the police statement, “He was remanded to Mpigi Prisons.”
The resumption of the NUP countrywide tour is seen as a positive development in the country’s political landscape, and it is expected to boost the party’s momentum ahead of the next general elections.
