Press Statement and letter to IGP on Exams during W2W Week

ACTIVISTS FOR CHANGE-(A4C)

PRESS STATEMENT

AT KAMPALA October, 15^th 2001

WALK TO WORK WEEK: October 17^th - 22^nd 2001

Ladies and Gentlemen of the media,

We have called this special and urgent press conference to inform the public that we are aware that 'O – level' students will be beginning their exams on Monday 17^th October, which coincides with the start of our ‘Walk to Work week.’  We are anxious to ensure that they start and complete their exams successfully.

Accordingly, we have written to the Inspector General of Police, reminding him that it will be in the interest of all concerned that law and order are observed strictly during the Walk to Work week.  We wish to assure the public that activists will only be engaged in walking from their places of residence to their places of work.  There will be no assemblies or rallies until Saturday October 22^nd, 2011 when we will converge in Kololo for a rally.

We recall with regret the incidents during the last Walk to Work campaign, when police unleashed terror against innocent school children in classes and schools.  We urge the police to desist from using tear gas, rubber and live ammunition against walkers who will include students going to schools to sit their exams.  They are already under academic pressure and do not need the extra anxiety that may be caused by trigger-happy security officers. 

We encourage students to wake up early, walk to school and be part of the campaign for change. We urge members of the public to participate peacefully in this exercise and ensure that they observe law and order.  We reiterate that Activists for Change only organizes peaceful nonviolent activities. 

Hon Mathias Mpuuga (MP)

National Coordinator, A4C

LETTER TO IGP

ACTIVISTS FOR CHANGE-(A4C)

October 15, 2011

The Inspector General of Police

Police Headquarters

KAMPALA

Dear Sir,

We are writing to inform you that O – level students will be beginning their exams on Monday 17^th October, which be the start of our ‘Walk to Work week.’  We are anxious to ensure that they start and complete their exams successfully. We recall with regret the incidents during the last Walk to Work campaign, when police unleashed terror against innocent school children in classes and schools.  We urge the police to desist from using tear gas, rubber and live ammunition against walkers who will include students going to schools to sit their exams.  They are already under academic pressure and do not need the extra anxiety that may be caused by trigger-happy security officers. 

We remind you that it is in the best interest of all concerned that law and order are observed strictly during the Walk to Work week.  We wish to assure you that activists will only be engaged in walking from their places of residence to their places of work.  There will be no assemblies or rallies until Saturday October 22^nd, 2011 when we will converge in Kololo for a rally.

We reiterate that Activists for Change organizes peaceful nonviolent activities only and they remain peaceful until disrupted by rowdy security officers.  We look forward to your cooperation and a successful week of the walk to work campaign.

Hon. Mathias Mpuuga (MP)

National Coordinator, A4C