National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi has been forced to alter his campaign programme in Karamoja after joint security forces blocked his entry into Moroto town.
Security personnel mounted a roadblock about four kilometres from Moroto along the Moroto-Lokitanyala road, where Kyagulanyi was expected to pass after addressing supporters in Amudat district.
As a result, his team was advised to divert through villages in Loputuk Sub-county and proceed to Nadunget Town Council, the alternative venue designated for his rally. Nadunget is approximately 10 kilometres from the initially planned campaign grounds in Moroto Municipality. Heavy deployment of joint security forces was observed along major routes leading into Moroto town and in surrounding villages.
Kyagulanyi had earlier planned to commission the National Unity Platform party offices in Moroto before proceeding to his rally. The Mt. Moroto Regional Police Spokesperson, Mike Longole, said Kyagulanyi was denied access to the town because the Naitakwae grounds, where he was expected to campaign, were already occupied by the Uganda People’s Defence Force and supporters of the National Resistance Movement, who were preparing for Tarehe Sita celebrations.
Longole advised NUP supporters to follow their presidential candidate to Nadunget Town Council to avoid possible clashes with NRM supporters. However, Ernest Ayen, the NUP Regional Coordinator for Karamoja, insisted that Kyagulanyi must first commission the party office in Moroto town, adding that police had already been duly informed of their planned activities.
Despite the diversion, NUP mobilisation efforts continued within Moroto Municipality. Teams were seen moving through the town, encouraging residents to attend the rally. A spot check by our reporter revealed vendors openly selling NUP merchandise, including T-shirts, caps, and flags. At the same time, the UPDF, working alongside NRM flag bearers and local leaders, rolled out Tarehe Sita Day activities.
This included the mobilisation of boda boda riders, who were seen riding around town, an action some residents interpreted as an attempt to counter NUP’s mobilisation drive. However, Simon Peter Korobe, the chairperson of the Moroto Boda Boda Association, dismissed claims of political interference. He said the riders’ involvement was coincidental and rooted in their cordial relationship with the UPDF.
Korobe noted that the army had supported the association by constructing boda boda stages within the municipality, which he described as a significant achievement. Nonetheless, some boda boda riders, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that they were paid 20,000 Shillings each and given fuel to remain in town and refrain from attending Kyagulanyi’s rally.
Meanwhile, the UPDF proceeded with Tarehe Sita celebrations at the Naitakwae grounds, featuring entertainment and drawing community members, NRM party leaders, and supporters. The 3rd Division Commander attended the event as the guest of honour.
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