By KT Reporter
The National Unity Platform-NUP Parliamentary candidates will hold joint campaign rallies across Kampala’s five divisions during the first week of the campaigns.
The joint campaign is aimed at strengthening their messages as well as those of the party’s Presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, under a new Uganda and protest vote slogan.
On Monday, NUP parliamentary candidates, along with local government candidates, held a rally at Katwe playground, driving support for Makindye West candidate Zahara Luyirika and local government candidates, while also elaborating on the ‘protest vote’ slogan led by Presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, who’s currently campaigning in Western Uganda.
NUP leaders echoed that the protest vote is a call for supporters to vote in large numbers, protect their votes by staying at polling stations until counting is done, and demand their votes be respected, especially if results are disputed or allegedly rigged.
The second day of campaigning was held in Rubaga North, spearheaded by Abubaker Kawarya, the area candidate at Namugona playground.
The rally was also attended by Parliamentary candidates in Kampala. They were led by Nakawa West’s Joel Ssenyonyi, Kawempe North candidate Erias Nalukola Luyimbazi, Nakawa East member of Parliament Ronald Nsubuga Balimwezo, the NUP Lord Mayor candidate
Addressing hundreds of supporters at Namugona playground who turned up, Ssenyonyi said they’re doing joint campaigns in each division for the first week to solidify NUP’s message in Kampala.
“We’ve decided to do joint campaigns in Kampala Divisions to unite and deepen our message of a new Uganda. We’ve heard reports of camps planning to attack us , we want to see them try. This first week shows NUP’s strength in Kampala and helps spread our core values and presidential manifesto,” Ssenyonyi.
Ssenyonyi said they won’t spend much time campaigning in Kampala since voters already understand the need for change from the current leadership, implying it’s ineffective and has had widespread negative impacts.
Ssenyonyi reminded Rubaga North residents of his commitment to fighting corruption, exposing those involved without fear, despite receiving threats.
Abubaker Kawarya, seeking re-election in Rubaga North, welcomed the NUP candidates’ solidarity, saying it’s a symbol of unity in their party. He however, noted that NUP is going through a challenging time due to members working hard to tarnish the party’s name among Ugandans.
“We have people, some inside the party, others pretending to be opposition, working hard to tarnish NUP. They don’t want Kyagulanyi’s vision of an equal Uganda. Resist their negativity, ask who they’re working for, tick the umbrella, and leave them behind,” Kawarya said.
Kawarya identified key issues affecting Rubaga residents, including poor roads, garbage, evictions, and unemployment, stating these can’t be resolved under NRM leadership.
Zahara Ruyirika said there is a need for women’s empowerment and equality in an NUP government, with Kyagulanyi as president.
NUP will hold a joint rally in Kampala Central on Wednesday, seeking support for Party Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya. Parliamentary campaigns will stop on 13th January according to the Electoral roadmap.
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