Kyagulanyi Electrifies Nalukoola’s By-Election Campaign Amid Police Crackdown

Uganda Today Edition: Kyagulanyi Electrifies Nalukoola’s By-Election Campaign Amid Police Crackdown

Security Forces Clash with NUP Supporters Despite Archbishop’s Warning

Bobi Wine Leads a Charged Campaign for Nalukoola

National Unity Platform (NUP) President Kyagulanyi Robert Ssentamu, widely known as Bobi Wine, spearheaded a highly energized campaign rally for Elias Nalukoola Luyimbaazi, the NUP candidate for the Kawempe North by-election. The campaign procession, which commenced at the NUP headquarters in Makerere Kavule, was set to culminate in a major rally at Kawempe ku Taano. However, it was marred by a violent confrontation with security forces.

Police and JAT Unleash Tear Gas and Violence

As Kyagulanyi and his supporters attempted to leave the NUP headquarters, they were met with heavy security deployment. The Uganda Police Force, in collaboration with the Joint Anti-Terrorism (JAT) unit, blocked the procession at the exit, unleashing tear gas and forcefully dispersing the gathering. Many NUP supporters sustained injuries from the beatings and stampede that ensued, with several requiring medical attention.

Archbishop Ssemogerere’s Caution Ignored

The violent confrontation comes in the wake of an earlier warning by the Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere. In a recent address, the cleric cautioned the government, police, and army against suppressing opposition campaigns, urging them to allow free and fair elections. He argued that if opposition parties could not campaign without interference, then the entire electoral process should be reconsidered. Despite this call for restraint, security forces continued their aggressive crackdown on NUP activities.

Recurring Police Clashes with NUP

This latest confrontation is not an isolated incident. NUP and its leadership have repeatedly faced violent dispersals by security forces. Just recently, a similar scenario unfolded in Kamuli District, where police used tear gas to disrupt a Bobi Wine rally, blocking his efforts to mobilize supporters. The repeated suppression of opposition activities has revived memories of the violent 2021 elections, raising concerns about the political climate ahead of the 2026 general elections.

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Calls for Political Fairness and Reform

The persistent clashes between security forces and opposition supporters underscore the urgent need for political reforms in Uganda. Democratic principles demand that all political entities operate without undue interference. As Uganda gears up for future elections, it remains critical that authorities uphold fairness, justice, and respect for human rights to ensure a credible democratic process.

For a visual account of the events, including the confrontation between NUP supporters and security forces, watch the video footage below:

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