Kyagulanyi Limited to One Rally by Police in Nakasongola

Updated By Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1119 EAT on Tuesday 7 October 2025

Police and the army in Nakasongola have rejected a request by National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi to hold two campaign rallies in the district.

Security forces in Nakasongola have denied a request by National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, to hold two separate campaign rallies in the district.

Kyagulanyi, who is scheduled to campaign in Nakasongola on Friday, October 10, had sought permission to address supporters in two sub-counties—Kalungi and Lwabiyata—located in different constituencies within the district.

However, following a district security committee meeting held on Monday and chaired by Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Festus Bandeba, the authorities approved only one rally, citing security and logistical concerns.

“We are working to ensure that all candidates are given an opportunity to campaign, but within the limits of what can be managed securely,” RDC Bandeba said after the meeting.

The decision is the latest in a series of restrictions placed on the NUP candidate’s campaign trail, which the party has repeatedly criticised as politically motivated and aimed at undermining opposition outreach in rural areas.

Nakasongola, located in central Uganda, is considered a competitive area where the opposition has been trying to gain ground. NUP officials argue that limiting their rallies deprives residents of access to alternative political voices and hampers the democratic process.

Despite the restrictions, Kyagulanyi is expected to proceed with the single approved rally and continue his nationwide campaign tour as scheduled.

The Electoral Commission has yet to comment on the development.

The security meeting was attended by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Michael Kasigire, the Savannah Regional Police Commander; Major General Charles Byanyima, Commander of the Motorized Infantry Division; the District Police Commander; NUP coordinators; and other local officials.

According to Fred Lubinga, the LC III Chairperson of Katuugo Town Council, NUP coordinators had proposed that Kyagulanyi hold two rallies and lead a procession through Nakasongola and Migyera towns to reach the campaign venues—an effort to cover the entire district in a single day.

However, in a statement issued after the meeting, Savannah Regional Police spokesperson Sam Twiineamazima said security authorities had permitted only one rally, which will be held at Kalungi Playground in Nakasongola County.

“The organisers were advised to strictly observe law and order before, during, and after the campaign activities,” said Savannah Regional Police spokesperson Sam Twiineamazima.

He added that Kyagulanyi’s campaign team would be permitted to access the venue through Kakooge Town Council, passing through Kasiso and Kakoola to reach Kalungi Playground, and would be required to use the same route when exiting.

Fred Lubinga, the LC III Chairperson of Katuugo Town Council, said police cited limited manpower as the reason for denying permission for a second rally and a procession. However, he alleged that the move was politically motivated, claiming it was intended to prevent Kyagulanyi from reaching fishing communities affected by ongoing Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) operations on Lake Kyoga.

Source: The Observer

In the 2021 presidential campaign, Robert Kyagulanyi faced severe restrictions in Nakasongola. Security forces reportedly denied him access to local hotels, forcing him to sleep in his car by the roadside. He was also blocked from holding a rally at Nakasongola RC Primary School and instead addressed supporters at the Lwamutoogo cattle market.

As the 2026 campaign cycle unfolds, it remains unclear whether a compromise can be reached between Kyagulanyi’s team and security agencies to ensure a peaceful and unhindered campaign.

In the previous election, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni won the district with 35,823 votes (65.18%), while Kyagulanyi trailed with 18,213 votes (33.14%).

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