Uganda Police Deny Deploying Fire Truck for Anti-Finance Bill Protests In Kenya

President William Ruto and his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Museveni at State House on May 16, 2024 (left) and a Uganda Police fire truck photographed in Nakuru on Thursday, June 21, 2024.

The Uganda Police Force (UPF) has denied allegations of deploying a fire truck during the anti-Finance Bill Protests.

Responding to a photograph of a fire truck among protesters in Nakuru last week, UPF confirmed that the truck belonged to one of its units.

However, UPF clarified that the truck was en route to Uganda after undergoing repairs in Nairobi.

According to UPF, the truck driver had reached Nakuru when he encountered protesters, who subsequently recorded videos of the incident.

Following the sharing of the videos on social media platforms, it was alleged that Uganda had deployed its equipment for the protests.

"The propagandists and their co-conspirators, falsified their stories, claiming the Uganda Police, was involved in the recent protests in Kenya, which was false and misleading.

"The facts gathered indicate that the fire truck that, belongs to Masaka CPS Fire and Rescue Department, developed a mechanical problem in April 2024, and it was transported to Nairobi-Kenya, by Isuzu Uganda, for further mechanical repair," read the statement in part.

On the other hand, Uganda noted that Kenya was also aware of the facts after the accusations.

It was noted that both countries share mutual respect, hence there was no reason for Uganda to meddle in the affairs of Kenya.

"Our counterparts the Kenyan Police, know that we have nothing to do with the protests. We continue to respect the sovereignty of the Republic of Kenya and its decisions.

"Mutual respect and understanding continue to be the basis of our cooperation with the Kenyan Police," read the statement in part.

The anti-Finance Bill protests began on Tuesday, June 18, following the tabling of the Finance Bill 2024 which had additional tax proposals for the upcoming financial year.

The protests are scheduled to continue today as the Bill proceeds to the Committee Stage in the National Assembly.