The inspector general of police (IGP) Martin Okoth Ochola has ordered police officers in charge of the Very Important Person Police Protection Unit (VIPPU) to provide extra security for three opposition politicians, who, recently reported threats against their lives.

The politicians include former Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) president Kizza Besigye, Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago and Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine. The three will meet with different police commanders to discuss the nature of the threat and also discuss the decision to improve the current security deployment.

The order by Ochola follows a written communication from Lukwago on June 27, indicating that he (Lukwago). Besigye and Bobi Wine had received threats on social media against their lives.

“As the country continues to witness assassinations, we have received assassination threats via social media, particularly Facebook, to the personality of the Lord Mayor, Lukwago Erias, as evidenced in the attachment,” a letter to the IGP signed by Elvis Kintu, the personal assistant to Lukwago read.

The fears followed a post by Titus Sseruga; a Ugandan living in Belgium that three assassins’ had entered the country and the intelligence agencies had no clue about it.

“Three assassins have once again crossed to Uganda to take out another high profile politician. Ugandan intelligence is not yet aware of the next target and neither can they confirm the assassin is in the country. My prediction is that the next target will be an opposition leader to raise tension in Uganda and push a narrative that the NRM has retaliated. Bobi Wine, Kizza Besigye, Lukwago and others should take extra caution in the coming two weeks,” reads the post.

Lukwago says, “given that Titus is a known security operative, his words cannot be taken for granted.”

Police spokesperson Emilian Kayima says different commanders have already been briefed on actions that need to be taken including appreciating their security and safety needs, improving their security in terms of deployment and guiding them on their personal security and safety.

Director Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) Grace Akullo has also been directed to open up a general inquiry file and investigate the alleged threats to the lives of the three politicians.