Pro- Sejusa Youth Outsmart Security At Namboole Giles Muhame Sejusas posters were carried into the stadium by a group of youth (Photos: Kenneth Kazibwe) Despite the water-tight security manned by police, intelligence officials, police detectives and military police personnel, a group of youth managed to smuggle exiled renegade UPDF General David Sejusa’s posters into Mandela National Stadium on Saturday. While security was able to intercept youth carrying pro-Amama Mbabazi 2016 presidential campaign posters at the Eastern gate before arresting the ring leader, Abdu Setumba, authorities were outsmarted by Sejusa’s allies. There were about three security rings at Namboole. At the main entrances, all football fans were physically checked, from head to the toes, by the military personnel. Then they would walk through security checkpoints where bags would be turned inside out. Women had their breasts and hair thoroughly checked by female detectives. A Cranes fan displaying a poster bearing the statement: “The return of the King. Gen Sejusa” Earlier on Friday, Police operations director, Andrew Kaweesi spent the better part of the day putting in place structures to ensure maximum security ahead of the Uganda Cranes – Togo clash. Before holding a series of meetings with informers and police personnel at the Stadium’s hotel until around midnight on Friday, Kaweesi told press he would not tolerate “any political messages, materials or activities” at Namboole. This followed media reports that pro-Mbabazi youth had printed over 2,000 posters which would be distributed at Namboole. Police trucks and sniffer dogs combed the stadium until the morning hours of Saturday. That youth could risk being arrested by sneaking Sejusa’s posters into the stadium tells more of a fast-hardening underground movement aimed at challenging Museveni’s hold on power. Gen Sejusa posters being displayed by excited youth Before escaping into exile, Gen Sejusa is thought to have planned to overthrow and even kill President Museveni. In London, Sejusa confirmed he had on several occasions tried to “get rid of this regime” in vain. Observers say Museveni’s rivals are now looking at the youth, majority of whom are unemployed and desperate, to put up resistance against the NRM government in 2016. Security was water-tight at Namboole But officials have warned the youth on accepting to be used by politicians for selfish motives. Museveni argues that youth should be pre-occupied with wealth creation through commercial activities.
Posted on: Sun, 12 Oct 2014 10:45:31 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015