The Police will not allow illegal gatherings or public meetings so long as the organizers don’t work with the force to have peaceful gatherings.

The warning was issued by the Police Spokesperson, Fred Enanga, about the Constitutional Court decision last week which nullified Sections 5 and 10 of the Public Order Management Act (POMA) 2013 which had enjoined the organizers of public meetings to seek prior permission from the police.   

Enanga addressed the weekly press briefing at the Police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala.

The Police have warned members of the public against holding unlawful assemblies, saying that they can still be stopped despite a decision of the Constitutional Court issued on 17th March 2023 annulling Sections 5 and 10 of the Public Order Management Act (POMA) 2013 last week.              

Sections 5 and 10 imposed penal sanctions on organizers and participants in peaceful public meetings, including demonstrations and assemblies.

However, in a unanimous judgment, five justices of the Constitutional Court led by Justice Elizabeth Musoke held that the charge of disobedience of statutory duty against the protestors constituted an “impermissible limitation” on their right to freedom of assembly.

The court decision means that no person can now be criminally charged for organizing or participating in a peaceful demonstration without first seeking permission from the Inspector General of Police as envisaged under the impugned Sections 5 and 10 of the Act.

However, Police spokesperson, Fred Enanga insists that the court ruling did not remove the powers of the police to regulate public meetings to avoid unnecessary inconveniences to the public and also ensure public peace.

Enanga added that other criteria expected to be met by the organizers of public meetings, including having a traffic flow plan, sufficient stewards, and coordinating with the police, are still necessary to maintain security and are punishable if not adhered to.

Enanga’s caution comes a few days after the police last week unveiled a new fleet of vehicles majorly to control riots and disperse illegal assemblies.  

Enanga also warned the public against noise pollution, hooliganism, road destruction, and loitering, because they are punishable and the police will not leave the violators scot-free.

Mary Prima Awor