Ugandan security forces have blocked the National Unity Platform (NUP) from holding their final campaign rally in Bwaise 1 citing President Museveni’s planned route through the area.
This effectively means that NUP is restricted from campaigning in multiple parishes of Kawempe North a constituency that has historically backed the opposition.
NUP leader Bobi Wine who has consistently accused the government of oppressing opposition voices took to social media to condemn the decision calling it a blatant act of political suppression.
The party’s candidate Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola was originally scheduled to hold his last rally in Bwaise a critical stronghold for NUP.
However, authorities directed the opposition to relocate to Komamboga a location where Nalukoola has already campaigned.
“This is nothing but a deliberate effort to block us from engaging with the people of Kawempe North,” Bobi Wine said, accusing the government of using security forces to stifle fair political competition.
The authorities maintain that the decision was made to ensure security and avoid potential confrontations as Museveni’s convoy is expected to pass through the area.
However, opposition argue that this is a thinly veiled tactic to undermine NUP’s ability to mobilize voters.
This latest development adds to a growing list of election related tensions as Kawempe North gears up for the by-election on March 13.
Despite the setback, potential violent clashes, abductions, or state brutality, Bobi Wine announced that NUP would comply with the directive and move its rally to Komamboga grounds at 2:00 PM to avoid confrontations with security forces
The opposition insists that the people of Kawempe North must be allowed to choose their leader freely.
The timing of this latest restriction on the final day of campaigns has fueled speculation that the ruling party is desperate to prevent NUP from gaining momentum in an area where anti-Museveni sentiment is high.
