By KT Reporter
The National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, has asked Ugandans to vote for him in the 2026 elections, saying the country deserves better leadership.
While addressing a rally at Kaala Playground in Nateete, Kyagulanyi said Uganda’s problem is not poverty, as the country is endowed with vast resources and minerals that could make it wealthy if properly managed. He noted that the real challenge is poor leadership, which he accused of exploiting citizens for personal gain.
Kyagulanyi urged people to participate in the elections by voting for him, promising leadership that would serve the people and promote development. He added that this election season is not about NUP but about Uganda, and voters should focus on the issues he is presenting rather than on his name.
Joel Ssenyonyi, the party spokesperson and Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, also rallied Ugandans to vote for Kyagulanyi, saying his leadership would address unemployment, which has forced many young Ugandans to seek jobs in the Middle East, where some have been trafficked into prostitution.
Barbie Kyagulanyi, the NUP candidate’s wife, asked supporters to vote for her husband, saying becoming First Lady would give her the opportunity to address the challenges facing women in the country.
The rally at Nateete was heavily guarded by police and the army, though there were no clashes with NUP supporters. At about 3 pm, a heavy downpour soaked the crowds and caused flooding in parts of Kampala, including Nateete, cutting off the road to Kaala Playground. Despite the floods, hundreds of supporters waded through the waters to reach the rally.
Street vendors selling red umbrellas made brisk sales, with many targeting NUP supporters. Mukose Joseph, a vendor at Busega roundabout, said the rain boosted his business. “We stocked up on merchandise specifically for today, and the rain has bee a bonus. I have two casual workers, one outside and one inside the venue, so I’m selling to these people. But overall, people have really supported us today,” Mukose said.
Nalongo Joanita, another umbrella seller at Nateete traffic lights, said she was glad the rain kept KCCA enforcement officers away, allowing her to operate freely. “The rain has been a bit of a disruption, but it’s also brought us good fortune by keeping the KCCA enforcement officers away, which is a welcome relief on important days like this,” she noted. Kigozi Hamudan, an NUP mobilizer in Kampala and part of the organizing team, said they were initially concerned by the heavy rain, but turnout exceeded expectations.
Meanwhile, police arrested several NUP supporters at roadblocks on their way to Nateete and others were detained while escorting Kyagulanyi to the nomination venue in Lweza.
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