By KT Reporter
Security forces have been deployed in large numbers across Kampala and areas of Kawempe ahead of National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu’s planned campaign rally today.
A sweeping joint deployment comprising Military Police, the Field Force Unit (FFU), Counter-Terrorism officers, the Special Forces Command (SFC), regular police, and plainclothes operatives has taken up positions along major routes, including Bombo Road, Bwaise, Kalerwe and the entire Gayaza Road corridor.
At Makerere Kavule, uniformed Military Police officers have cordoned off the NUP party headquarters, where Kyagulanyi is expected to address his supporters before heading to Kanyanya for his first rally of the day.
According to a NUP organiser who requested anonymity, Kyagulanyi is scheduled to address supporters at Kanyanya Express Playground at about 2:00 pm, with a second rally initially planned for Mulago Playground later in the afternoon.
“Our planned route is that the “president” will address the media at the party headquarters, then proceed with a drive through Bwaise, Kazo Road, Lugoba and Kawempe. He’ll then head via Ttula Road through Namere and Mpererwe before arriving at Kanyanya for our first rally,” the organiser said.
However, the second rally remains in limbo after a last-minute withdrawal of permission to use Mulago Playground. He says that although the original plan was to move from Kanyanya through Kyebando, Kalerwe and into Mulago, the team has been informed that the Mulago venue has been denied. Dr Moses Kanabi, the National Organising Secretary, is now engaging the authorities,” the official added.
Earlier in the day, Kyagulanyi and several senior NUP leaders visited Luzira Upper Prison to check on detained party supporters. After the visit, Kyagulanyi posted on X: “We’ve just visited our jailed comrades at Luzira Upper Prison, who are being held on trumped-up charges. They’re strong in spirit and unwavering in their convictions.”
Despite the heavy deployment, crowds of Kyagulanyi supporters have taken positions along the routes leading into Kawempe, with jubilant groups seen at Bwaise Roundabout and other roadside sections.
Police Spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said security commanders across Kampala had been instructed to “quell all unlawful processions” by candidates who refuse to comply with Electoral Commission and police guidelines.
“Our commanders have been directed to use all means and prohibit these processions,” Kituuma said, insisting that campaign movements disrupting traffic flow, business operations, or raising the risk of clashes between rival supporters would not be allowed.
He emphasised that campaign programmes must be jointly coordinated with the police and the Electoral Commission: “Any organisation of a campaign activity should involve collaboration with key stakeholders to ensure harmony. Processions are prohibited. Candidates should find their supporters at the campaign grounds.”
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