The security committee and National Unity Platform (NUP) leaders in Masaka City have reached an agreement on the venue for party presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi’s upcoming campaign rally. Mr Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, is scheduled to campaign in Masaka City on November 29.
NUP leaders initially planned to hold the rally at Masaka Liberation Square, in the heart of the city.
However, Masaka City Resident Commissioner Ahmada Washaki had warned that the venue was too close to sensitive facilities, including the Masaka Regional Referral Hospital, the presidential lodge, and Katwe Market, and threatened to block the rally.
Despite insisting on Liberation Square, NUP leaders, led by Masaka City Mayor Florence Namayanja, later softened their stance to avoid confrontation with security forces.
They have now chosen Masaka Ssaza Grounds, about a kilometre from the original site, for the rally.
‘We are grateful to the Buganda Kingdom leadership in Masaka City, led by the Pokino [Kabaka’s chief in Buddu County], who have allowed us to hold the rally at this historic grounds. The city security committee has also given us clearance,’ Ms Namayanja told journalists on Sunday, November 23.
Mr Washaki confirmed the new venue and advised organisers to cooperate with security authorities. He added that NUP leaders had also been cleared to hold a separate rally on the same day at Kyajubira Playground in Kimaanya-Kabonera Municipality.
‘We are ready to provide security at the two agreed venues. What we need is cooperation with security authorities so that campaign activities end peacefully,’ Mr Washaki said.
Asked whether the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) presidential candidate Yoweri Museveni will be allowed to use Liberation Square on December 22, Mr Washaki declined to comment.
Initially, security authorities had suggested alternative venues for the NUP rally, such as Kako Playground and Kitovu Sports Arena, both over three kilometres outside the city.
So far, four presidential contenders, Joseph Mabirizi (Conservative Party), Robert Kasibante (National Peasants Party), Mubarak Munyagwa (Common Man’s Party), and Gregory Mugisha Muntu (Alliance for National Transformation), have campaigned in Masaka City without confrontation with security forces.
Masaka City is considered a stronghold for NUP, with many local leaders affiliated with the party.