Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, the National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate, has challenged voters in the Buganda region to demonstrate overwhelming support for his candidature in the forthcoming general elections, just as other parts of the country have done.
Kyagulanyi said that while other regions have already expressed unwavering commitment to the political transition by endorsing his ambitions, Buganda—his home area—faces a critical test to exceed that level of enthusiasm. Addressing a campaign rally at the Buddu County headquarters playground in Masaka City on Saturday, Kyagulanyi, who was dressed in a traditional kanzu, noted that Buganda’s support should surpass that of other regions where he has already been warmly received.
“We have traversed the other regions of the country, and people have enormously supported our party and me because they have associated with the idea we espouse. As I bring the campaign to my own people, I expect you to appreciate this message even more and champion our idea,” he noted.
Kyagulanyi said that throughout his campaign, he has observed that Ugandans face similar challenges, including poor service delivery, unemployment, widespread hopelessness, and unfulfilled government pledges. He argued that it is time for citizens to unite and push for political change.
He urged his supporters to translate their enthusiasm into votes and overwhelmingly back NUP in next January’s elections as a protest against what he termed the inadequacies and excesses of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) regime.
Later, while addressing a second rally in Kimanya–Kabonera Division, Kyagulanyi criticised Electoral Commission Chairperson Justice Simon Mugyenyi Byabakama, accusing him of bias and attempting to suppress the opposition in favour of the NRM. Kyagulanyi expressed doubt about the Commission’s ability to hold a credible election next January, pointing to Byabakama’s recent directive discouraging candidates from mobilising supporters to remain at polling stations after voting.
Early this week, Byabakama warned that such gatherings could disrupt the electoral process and advised candidates to rely on official polling agents and accredited observers instead of congesting polling areas. However, Kyagulanyi dismissed the directive as suspicious and urged his supporters to ignore it.
Meanwhile, former Buddu County Second Deputy Chief, Abdullah Kato Kalule—known culturally as Pokiino—symbolically endorsed Kyagulanyi by presenting him with a traditional spear and shield, and dressing him in barkcloth.
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