The Ministry of Defense and Veteran Affairs (MoDVA) has noted that Kololo Independence Grounds will be unavailable for the National Unity Platform (NUP) celebrations due to ongoing infrastructure development.
The NUP, led by Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya, had formally requested permission from MoDVA to use Kololo Ceremonial Grounds for their upcoming anniversary event, marking four years since the party’s unveiling on July 22.
In a letter dated July 9, NUP highlighted the historical significance of Kololo Ceremonial Grounds and anticipated a large turnout for the event. However, MoDVA advised NUP to seek an alternative venue as Kololo would not be available on the requested date.
Reacting to the ministry’s response, NUP principal Robert Kyagulanyi described the decision as an example of state capture and criticized the Museveni regime for its predictability.
“We just received this letter from Mfitumukiza Kallu Sam, on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, informing us that the National Unity Platform cannot use Kololo Ceremonial Grounds because of ongoing infrastructural developments. These same grounds have hosted various events, including a recent event to recognize 40 years of NRM – in reality, 40 years of plunder and misrule. Different individuals and organizations continue to hold concerts and other events there. Effectively, these public grounds are only available for use by those who support Gen. Museveni and his regime,” Kyagulanyi stated on his X (formerly Twitter) platform.
“This exemplifies nothing but state capture! As we traverse Western Uganda for our #NUPCountryWideTour2, venue owners in towns have been intimidated not to host us. Even those we had booked in Ntungamo and Isingiro were forced to cancel their bookings. Regime operatives have been directed to offer us venues located in sparsely populated villages. It still baffles them that many people travel these distances to listen to us,” he added.
Kyagulanyi emphasized the need for collective effort to end such humiliations in Uganda.