There is heavy police and military deployment in Luwero District ahead of National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi’s campaign rallies scheduled for today. Kyagulanyi is expected to enter Luwero through Busiika Town and later address rallies in Zirobwe Town and at Kalule Community Playground.
He will then proceed along the Kampala–Gulu Highway to Kyegombwa SDA Playground in Kiyenje Zone, Luwero Town, where he is set to hold his main rally. Security personnel have been deployed in large numbers along the Kampala–Gulu Highway, the route Kyagulanyi is expected to use.
Anti-riot police officers, Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers, and tear gas vehicles are concentrated in Wobulenzi and Luwero Town Councils—areas considered Kyagulanyi’s strongholds.
Police and military personnel have reportedly been drawn from Nakaseke, Nakasongola, and Kampala to reinforce deployments in Luwero. Meanwhile, supporters have started gathering at Kasana Pineapple Roadside Market in Luwero Town and Wobulenzi Town Junction, where they have erected arches to welcome the NUP candidate.
Savannah Regional Police Spokesperson Sam Twiineamazima noted that the deployment is intended to ensure smooth traffic flow and prevent disruptions along the Kampala–Gulu Highway, which he described as a strategic route for cargo and travelers heading to South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“Security deployment for the rallies has been completed, and the situation currently remains normal and calm. Continuous monitoring is ongoing to ensure peace and security during the rallies as well as along the highway,” Twiineamazima said.
In Wobulenzi and Luwero Town Councils, supporters dressed in red T-shirts and others carrying Ugandan flags have been seen singing Kyagulanyi’s campaign songs, playing drums, and trekking to the rally venues. Kyagulanyi left his home in Magere this morning wearing a bulletproof jacket, escorted by Luwero District Members of Parliament.
He told journalists that his decision to wear the jacket stemmed from credible information suggesting he could be harmed during the campaigns. “The bulletproof doesn’t mean I’m totally safe. God is the sole protector, and I am ready for whatever comes. The security personnel are determined to fire teargas and live bullets towards me, together with my supporters,” Kyagulanyi said.
He also dismissed allegations by Inspector General of Police Abbas Byakagaba that NUP supporters breached campaign guidelines, resulting in violence. Kyagulanyi insisted his campaigns are non-violent and accused security agencies of planting provocateurs.
“Secondly, you see Policemen closing short routes, forcing us to drive through long routes, hence making us reach the venues late, before they blame us for not ending within the stipulated campaign time. They faulted us that we do campaigning till night, but you saw Prime Minister Nabbanja doing the same, and nothing was done. Yesterday you saw President Yoweri Museveni holding a procession in Mbarara, but the Police did nothing,” Kyagulanyi said.
He further accused the police of acting in favour of the ruling party. “Byakagaba was telling lies that we are the ones breaching the rules, yet his Policemen and NRM leaders are doing the same with no action. You saw in Western police vans transporting supporters to Museveni rallies, and Byakagaba did nothing,” he added. Kyagulanyi was en route to Luwero District by the time of publishing this story.
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