Kampala. The US embassy in Kampala says there could be violence during the swearing of President Yoweri Museveni next week and it has warned its citizens to avoid movements that day.
A statement released on Friday evening said there have been precedents before during such ceremonies and crime has often occurred with police swinging into action in various ways including the use of live ammunition.
The statement said that the presidential inauguration is a political activity that may attract large numbers of participants. It added that this type of gathering may increase the risk of violence, crime, significant traffic disruptions, and COVID-19 transmission.
“Clashes at this type of gathering and outbreaks of violence have occurred before, during, and after past presidential swearing-in ceremonies and similar political events in Uganda. Police routinely use force, including tear gas, rubber bullets, and live ammunition, to disperse protests,” the statement reads.
President Museveni is due to swear for the sixth term on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at the Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala. Organisers say they expect at least 4000 guests including over ten presidents.
“U.S. citizens in Uganda should heighten awareness and caution during this period. Demonstrations throughout Uganda have been known to escalate to violence. Thus, U.S. citizens should avoid demonstrations and crowds as well as take proper precautions against the spread of COVID-19,” the statement says.
Us citizens have been advised to among other things avoid crowds and demonstrations, be aware of their surroundings, monitor local media and U.S. Embassy Facebook and Twitter pages for updates.
Citizens have been told that if there may need for evacuation, their travel documents and identification should be up to date and easily accessible. And they need to stock up on food items and necessities.
The US like their European counterparts have disputed Uganda’s elections as a sham with Bobi Wine who says he won the election saying he may be the president before the end of Mr. Museveni’s next five years.
Last month, the US Sectetary of State Antony Blinken slapped travel restrictions on unnamed Uganda officials over their role in electro violence.
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