[UAH] POLICE ALERT

PRESS RELEASE

This is to alert the general public that the Uganda Police, supported
by sister security agencies, will, from today increase our presence in
the City and surrounding areas following reports of planned unlawful,
and violent activities, partly, linked to the decision by KACITA
(Kampala City Traders Association) to implement their threat to close
shops today, Tuesday, 25th June 2013, in spite of the ongoing efforts
by the Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives, Hon Amelia
Kyambadde, to address the concerns of traders on the new programme
requiring pre-shipment inspection of imported goods in the countries
of origin, before they enter into the Ugandan market.

Noteworthy, this programme is intended to stop importation of
substandard goods which have been flooding the Ugandan market to the
disadvantage ofthe consumers and the general public. So it is a good
and essential programme for the country which everybody including
KACITA should embrace and support.

We are aware that the Hon Minister has twice in less than a week met
the executive committee of KACITA, the last meeting having been held,
yesterday, Monday, 24th June 2013, in the afternoon, at the
headquarters of the Ministry of Trade. We are aware that progress has
been made in those meetings, and another meeting is scheduled for
Monday, 1 July, 2013. In those meetings, which Police has attended,
the Hon Minister exhibited flexibility, and was quite sympathetic, and
receptive to the suggestions of the KACITA leadership.

Accordingly, therefore, there is no reason for KACITA to resort to
this extreme measure of closing shops, and causing inconveniences,
both to the traders, and consumers. In any case, while we cannot stop
an individual trader from closing his/her shop, we shall not tolerate
anybody who obstructs, intimidates or in any other way stops traders
who wish to keep their shops open. Indeed, one of the main objectives
of our heightened security presence is to ensure that the law abiding
business community continues with their businesses undisturbed. We
urge the KACITA leadership to continue with dialogue at the
negotiating table, with the Minister of Trade and her team, and avoid
unlawful activities aimed at disrupting normal life in the City and
surrounding areas.

Further, we are, also, aware, of evil plans by certain individuals,
and groups to cause chaos in the City and the country,
opportunistically, taking advantage of situations such as the current
one(KACITA/Ministry of Trade standoff). We caution the youth who are
being mobilized, and deceived to engage in violent and unlawful
activities in the City and surrounding areas. You should refuse to be
used by individuals/groups who have dangerous agendas against our
country. It is not in your interest.In any case, you will be held
individual liable for any breaches of the law that you engage in.

Otherwise, let me assure the business community, in particular, and
the public in general, that the security agencies led by the Police
shall ensure your security as you go about your business. We, only
request that, as you usually do, exercise vigilance, and assist us to
counter wrong elements. Identify trouble makers, especially those
threatening traders; places where used tyres are being stored for
burning to block roads; or vehicles transporting and distributing such
tyres; or any other suspicious individuals, groups or activities.

Gen. Kale Kayihura
Inspector General of Police
25TH June 2013