By KT Reporter
National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu has cautioned supporters in Mukono District against independent candidates using his name and image to solicit votes, saying such individuals aim to confuse voters and weaken the broader push for political change.
Speaking to thousands of supporters gathered at Kalagala Playground in Mukono North, Kyagulanyi stressed that genuine “revolutionaries” can only be identified by the NUP symbol, the umbrella.
“We are joined under the Ugandan flag. I will not come to every village telling you who to vote, but just know that revolutionaries are identified by the umbrella,” Kyagulanyi said. “Many people with different symbols will turn up with my picture to confuse you. Please avoid them. I cannot stop them from contesting, but don’t be misled.”
His remarks follow growing controversy around Rev. Peter Bakaluba Mukasa in Mukono Municipality. After losing the NUP primaries for the LCV seat, Bakaluba shifted to the parliamentary race against incumbent MP Betty Nambooze as an independent candidate.
Although his symbol is a chair, several of his posters feature Kyagulanyi’s image, and throughout the week, he has openly campaigned for the NUP leader using a disco-trail vehicle.
Kyagulanyi also condemned what he described as excessive security deployment and escalating violence along his campaign trail. He said while he had campaigned in several regions without major confrontations, events took a different turn in Kawempe on Monday when his team was teargassed and dispersed.
“That story has continued today in Mukono, where roads were blocked, we were diverted onto dusty routes, and over 40 security vehicles followed us,” Kyagulanyi said. “Byabakama organised this election but has never condemned violence against our supporters, especially by people wearing NRM shirts.”
He accused the government of deliberately targeting supporters in Buganda to create the impression that some regions receive preferential treatment. He reassured voters that Ugandans across all regions stand together in the struggle for change.
“We are fighting for a united Uganda where everyone is respected and treated fairly,” he said, adding that police officers abandoning their regular stations to follow his campaign risks increasing insecurity in other parts of the country.
Across Mukono Municipality and neighbouring constituencies, security forces heavily deployed along major routes, firing teargas and pursuing groups of supporters on motorcycles or gathering along the roadside.
Richard Lugoloobi, a resident of Goma, questioned the rationale behind such a show of force. “I don’t understand why they bring such force against peaceful residents,” he said. “People are just excited to see their presidential candidate.”
Despite the disruptions, Kyagulanyi proceeded with his mobilisation, attracting large crowds along alternative routes and at several stopovers throughout Mukono.
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