Police Reject NUP Request To Hold Rally in Luwero Town Council

The Luwero District Security Committee has rejected a request by the National Unity Platform (NUP) to hold presidential campaign rallies in Wobulenzi and Luwero Town Councils for its presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu. 

On Wednesday, Members of Parliament elected on the NUP ticket—Brenda Nabukenya (Luwero District Woman MP), Denes Sekabira (Katikamu North), Hassan Kirumira Lukaalidde (Katikamu South), and Robert Ssekitoleeko (Bamunanika County)—met the District Security Committee to harmonize the campaign schedule ahead of Kyagulanyi’s rally slated for December 2, 2025. 

The meeting, also attended by Luwero LC5 Chairperson Erastus Kibirango and Luwero Town Council LC3 Chairperson Chris Buwembo, was chaired by Deputy Resident District Commissioner Abel Bakunda. Savannah Regional Police Commander Micheal Kasigire, District Police Commander Brighton Ahimbisamukama, and other security officials were also present. 

During the session, Nabukenya proposed two venues for Kyagulanyi’s rallies—Kasana playground in Luwero Town and Bukalasa Agricultural College grounds in Wobulenzi—arguing that they were centrally located to serve supporters across the three constituencies. She further noted that President Yoweri Museveni had held a rally at Bukalasa grounds without incident, and therefore, Kyagulanyi should be accorded similar access. However, police rejected both venues. 

According to Kibirango, security officials insisted that a rally at Kasana playground would disrupt services at Luwero Hospital and nearby markets, while Bukalasa Agricultural College was unsuitable because students are currently sitting examinations. The committee instead proposed Lukomera Primary School playground or Balitta Lwogi Primary School playground in Luwero Subcounty, suggestions the MPs rejected. 

Savannah Regional Police spokesperson Sam Twiineamazima later said that police and NUP leaders eventually agreed on alternative venues—Zirobwe Town playground, Kalule Community playground, and the main rally at Kasaala playground in Butuntumula Subcounty. “Kyagulanyi will pass through Busika, Zirobwe, Bamunanika, Kalule before connecting to Wobulenzi Town Council and Luwero Town Council to the main venue,” Twiineamazima said. 

He added that processions along the Kampala–Gulu highway have been banned, following disruptions during Kyagulanyi’s 2023 mobilization rally at Kasana playground, which paralyzed traffic for nearly six hours. “Proper traffic management and coordination with security were emphasized to guarantee peaceful campaigns,” Twiineamazima noted. 

Bamunanika County MP Robert Ssekitoleeko said the party had complied with police guidance. “Even if Kyagulanyi is ordered to hold a rally in the forest, supporters are ready to find him there. We have embarked on the mobilisation to ensure the supporters welcome and attend the planned rallies,” Ssekitoleeko said. Kyagulanyi enjoys strong support in Luwero. In the 2021 presidential election, he garnered 103,782 votes (70.45%) against Museveni’s 41,166 votes (27.94%). It remains to be seen whether Kyagulanyi will retain this support in the 2026 general elections.