National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, aka Bobi Wine, has pledged to unite Ugandans if elected, even as his campaign faced disruptions in Kiruhura and Kazo districts yesterday. Mr Kyagulanyi was only able to hold a rally at Kazo Model Playground after security personnel allegedly confiscated the public address system in Rushere Town Council, Kiruhura District.
At his first stop in Sanga Town Council, supporters clashed with NRM backers carrying sticks, leaving several people injured. In Kazo, NRM supporters were allegedly intimidating NUP members attempting to put up campaign posters. ‘Our posters were all removed and replaced by NRM. It is this day where we have to campaign, but they are stopping us. We call upon the people of Kazo to show support to our presidential candidate,’ said Ms Bridget Kugonza, the NUP deputy mobiliser for the western region.
NUP supporters accused NRM members of tearing down Bobi Wine’s posters placed at the Kazo roundabout and other locations. Commenting on the conduct, Mr Alex Baryamujura urged the Electoral Commission to educate the public on electoral laws. ‘People are not educated on elections. How can you remove posters for a certain candidate? This is not good. Others should have the opportunity to express themselves,’ he said.
‘A new Uganda’
Despite the challenges, Mr Kyagulanyi addressed supporters at Kazo Model Playground alongside his wife, Ms Barbra Itungo, NUP treasurer Benjamin Katana, and other party leaders. He reiterated his vision of a united Uganda where all citizens are equal ‘I come to represent a new generation. We want a Uganda without discrimination. Let me tell you, the people of Ankole, this regime has used tribal cards, saying that if you vote for Bobi Wine, he will mistreat non-Baganda. Is my wife a Muganda?’ he said.
Mr Kyagulanyi criticised the reported confiscation of his public address system in Kiruhura, saying it hindered his rally there. ‘In the new Uganda, every Ugandan will be equal. We want national unity. In past regimes, some communities faced marginalisation, but that will never happen again,’ he said. He also highlighted infrastructural and governance issues across the country. ‘I travelled through Ankole on poor roads. Uganda now belongs to a few people, but we want to bring a new Uganda that works for everybody,’ Mr Kyagulanyi said.
On the method of political change, Mr Kyagulanyi stressed a peaceful transition. ‘We do not want to remove the President with a gun. We want him to leave power peacefully and enjoy the good Uganda we will have created,’ he said.
When approached for a comment, Rwizi Region Police spokesperson Samson Kasasira said allegations against security personnel should be formally reported.
‘Those are issues, we cannot know unless reported. Some are exaggerated. Let them report, and we will investigate,’ he said.