The Uganda Police Force (UPF) has blocked the scheduled launch of the “Youth Protest Vote,” an initiative organized by the opposition party, the National Unity Platform (NUP).
The event was set to take place today April 28at the party’s headquarters in Makerere Kavule.
In a statement issued earlier, the police said they had learned of the planned activity and warned that it would not be allowed to proceed.
Authorities emphasized that the decision was taken “in the interest of maintaining public order,” and cautioned all individuals and groups against participating in or facilitating any related events.
“The proposed launch, along with any associated activities, will not be permitted,” the police said. “We urge all parties to comply with this directive.”
The Youth Protest Vote campaign had been billed as a symbolic move to galvanize young Ugandans ahead of the next election cycle.
NUP officials had portrayed the initiative as a peaceful way to inspire political participation among the youth.
However, with the police directive in place, the future of the movement now hangs in the balance.
By press time, the National Unity Platform had not yet issued an official response to the police ban.
