LUWEERO— All is set for the National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential campaign in various parts of greater Luweero districts including Luweero, Nakaseke and Nakasongola amidst heavy security deployment.
The NUP candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu also known as Bobi Wine was expected to hold his main rally at Luweero Boys Primary School in Luweero Town but police reportedly refused and instead directed organizers to shift Ngogolo playground which is Buntumula Sub County.
Brenda Nabukenya, the NUP Coordinator for Luweero district told URN that they had planned to organize rallies within playgrounds located in major towns but Police has since frustrated the development.
According to reports, Police has also arrested and blocked NUP supporters from holding drives calling people to attend the rally today.
Ivan Kyeyune, the NUP candidate for Nakasongola county told reporters that Kyagulanyi has also been blocked from addressing people at Nakasongola RC Primary school in the town council and shifted to grounds which act as a cattle market located at Lwamutoogo village in Wabinyonyi sub county, a sparsely populated area.
He added that several residents have been intimidated not to attend the rally but they are determined to be there.
Kyeyune adds that the move is intended to ensure that Kyagulanyi doesn’t make inroads in what is considered as NRM strongholds.
Security officials deployed prisoners on Wednesday to clear the grounds for Kyagulanyi.
Another planned rally in Migyera town was called off after Police advised organisers to hold in Lwabyata sub county which is sparsely populated.
In Nakaseke ,Kyagulanyi directed to campaign at Kamuli playground rather than in Kiwoko town council . Other expected rallies in Semuto and Kapeeka towns also blocked.
Kyagulanyi is expected to campaign for only three hours in each district and directed to stick to only the listed venues.
Procession through villages also blocked. There already indication that roads heading to venues will be restricted to stop of influx of supporters there.
Tension is mounting in the town councils and several business owners have indicated that they won’t open over fears that there could be clashes between supporters and Policemen for blocking Kyagulanyi to access them.
Paul Mukungu the LC 3 Chairman of Luweero town has faulted Police for creating unnecessary panic among the public. He pleaded with Police not to fire teargas in towns because it was not necessary.
Isah Ssemwogerere, the Savannah Regional Police Spokesperson advised NUP supporters to respect the guidelines or else they will arrest some of them.
Ssemwogerere says that Policemen and UPDF soldiers are already on ground to keep law and order.
Additional reporting by URN
