Bajjo arrest: Police say most security vehicle plates are switched with aid of URA

The car in which event manager Andrew Mukasa was bundled into during his broad daylight abduction on Saturday possessed the right number plates, the Uganda Police Force has said.

Mukasa, commonly known as Bajjo was arrested on Saturday by security operatives from the Presidential Police Guard Unit while addressing a press conference in Centenary Park in Kampala.

On Monday, he was taken to the Special Investigation Unit in Kireka.

According to eye witnesses, the operatives used a taxi, number plate UAT 511C.

The same plate was once used on a Land Cruiser in which the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) Major General Steven Sabiiti Muzeyi, travelled in to Parliament for vetting last year.

But police spokesman Fred Enanga on Monday told press that ‘It is allowed for security operatives to use any numbers plates in case they are pursuing covert operations.’

“We know very well about the number plates that have been making rounds on social media. But I want to put this clear that Land Cruiser seen in those pictures is no longer operational. It was last used in May 2018 by DIGP while going before the Parliamentary appointing committee prior to his appointment,” said Enanga at the police headquarters, Naguru on Monday.

Enanga noted that has since that day, DIGP Muzeyi was allocated an official police vehicle and now has no attachment to those private numbers plates. He, however, noted that the changing of the number of plates is done by security operatives with the knowledge of the Uganda Revenue Authority.

He added that arresting Bajjo using a private number plate helped them because he was going to run.
“Our security number plates are well known so if they had used them, Bajjo would have been alerted and run away. However, I want to make it clear that it’s only allowed by security operatives and on many occasions, we have used them,” added Enanga.
On Bajjo’s arrest, Enanga said that the events promoter made a video that was inciting violence, alleging that they were ready to take over power before the coming general elections.
“Bajjo was arrested because of the video clip he posted on social media threatening to overthrow the government and alleging that Army and Police were on his side which was not true. In this video, Bajjo tells the public that he was very sober and ready. This is a country that is run by laws, what I’m sure of Bajjo knew that he was breaking laws to incite the public and threatening the president,” Enanga explained.
Enanga noted Bajjo’s criminal file will be forwarded to the office of Director of Public Prosecution (DPP)
“So far charges looked at are; treason and inciting violence. Meanwhile, Security Forces wish to warn all individuals and groups that keep on posting videos glorifying violence using undemocratic means is an infringement on the law. We, therefore, advise the public not to share such videos,” he noted.