LUWEERO — There is heavy deployment of security personnel in Greater Luweero and it’s surrounds ahead of a planned campaign schedule for the National Unity Platform presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi also known as Bobi Wine.
The opposition figure is expected to campaign in the area according to the Electoral Commission roadmap.
His advance team reportedly arrived in the towns last evening, prompting the deployment of Police and Uganda People’s Defence Forces personnel in the area.
Mr. Kyagulanyi reported on Saturday morning that a day-time curfew has since been imposed on the people of Luwero, Nakasongola and Nakaseke, because the ruling NRM party is scared of his popularity in the area.
However, the security agencies have dismissed this version of events, insisting that the deployment of police was in line with the Constitutional mandate.
It has been reported by those in Kyagulanyi camp that the military, deployed alongside the police was “beating people forcing them to close their shops and houses and ordering them to remain indoors”.
These charges have however been denied by the authorities as tension mounts in the Luweero town councils and several business pockets as owners say they have been asked by the military to remain at home.
The security agencies have has also reportedly arrested and blocked NUP supporters from holding drives calling people to attend the rally today.
Ivan Kyeyune, the NUP candidate for Nakasongola county says that Mr. 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, noting that the move is intended to ensure that Kyagulanyi doesn’t make inroads in what is considered as NRM strongholds.
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, Mr. Kyagulanyi was reportedly directed to campaign at Kamuli playground rather than in Kiwoko town council .
Other expected rallies in Semuto and Kapeeka towns have also been reportedly blocked.
Mr. Kyagulanyi is expected to campaign for only three hours in each district and directed to stick to only the listed venues.
Ms 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.
