Police Reject Kyagulanyi Request for Two Rallies in Nakasongola

Police and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in Nakasongola District have rejected a request by National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi to hold two campaign rallies in the area. 

Kyagulanyi, who is expected to campaign in Nakasongola on Friday, October 10, had sought permission to address two rallies in Kalungi and Lwabiyata sub-counties, which lie in different constituencies.

On Monday, Bandeba Festus, the Nakasongola District Resident District Commissioner (RDC), chaired a District Security Committee meeting to harmonize Kyagulanyi’s campaign program. The meeting was attended by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Michael Kasigire, the Savannah Regional Police Commander, Major General Charles Byanyima, the Commander of the Motorized Infantry Division, the District Police Commander, and NUP coordinators, among others.

According to Fred Lubinga, the LC3 Chairperson of Katuugo Town Council, NUP coordinators had proposed that Kyagulanyi hold two rallies and also lead a procession through Nakasongola and Migyera towns to the campaign venues in a bid to cover the entire district in one day. However, in a statement issued after the meeting, Sam Twiineamazima, the Savannah Regional Police Spokesperson, said security authorities had restricted the NUP candidate to only one rally at Kalungi Playground in Nakasongola County.

“The organizers were advised to strictly observe law and order before, during, and after campaign activities,” Twiineamazima said. He added that Kyagulanyi’s team would be allowed to enter through Kakooge Town Council, Kasiso, and Kakoola, leading to Kalungi Playground, and use the same route on their return.

Lubinga said Police claimed they lacked enough personnel to secure two rallies and a procession. He, however, alleged that the decision was intended to prevent Kyagulanyi from engaging fishing communities affected by UPDF operations on Lake Kyoga.

“Security personnel want to limit Kyagulanyi from making inroads in the area that is currently turning away from the NRM due to brutal fishing operations and land grabbing,” Lubinga said. Kyagulanyi has previously faced challenges holding peaceful rallies in Nakasongola. In 2024, the Police blocked his mobilization tour in Migyera Town, accusing him of holding processions along highways in other districts.

During the 2020 presidential campaign, security forces barred Kyagulanyi from accessing local hotels, forcing him to spend the night in his car by the roadside. He was also prevented from using the Nakasongola RC Primary School grounds and instead held a rally at Lwamutoogo cattle market.

It remains to be seen whether Kyagulanyi and the security agencies will reach an understanding for a peaceful campaign this time. In the 2021 general elections, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni garnered 35,823 votes (65.18%), while Kyagulanyi received 18,213 votes (33.14%) in Nakasongola District.