Iganga, Uganda | A tense standoff unfolded on Friday October 3, as Uganda Police blocked National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu from holding a campaign rally in Iganga Municipality, sparking accusations of selective enforcement and threats to campaign freedom.
The NUP leadership said security agencies were deliberately frustrating their campaign trail in the Busoga subregion.
Party Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya described the incident as a violation of the party’s constitutional rights, emphasizing that Kyagulanyi had the right to campaign in all constituencies across Uganda.
Rubongoya said the party had been blocked from campaigning in Iganga and that, like other candidates, they were entitled to campaign in every constituency.
Kyagulanyi had earlier expressed concerns during a rally in Mayuge, claiming that security forces were intentionally directing his campaign to rural areas in an attempt to weaken his mobilization, a tactic he said was not yielding the desired effect.
In response, the Uganda Police Force issued a press release denying intentional obstruction.
Authorities explained that Kyagulanyi and his team were scheduled to campaign in Mayuge and Iganga, and while the Mayuge rally went ahead as planned, the candidate’s team diverted from the agreed route to Iganga’s Namungale Grounds.
Police stated that the convoy encountered roadblocks on this alternative route and maintained that officers had advised them to follow designated routes to ensure safety and maintain public order.
According to police, the NUP team ignored these instructions and opted for the diversion.
The police added that the team eventually headed to Jinja City and cancelled their campaign in Iganga, urging all candidates to adhere to security guidelines to ensure smooth and peaceful campaigns.
Eyewitnesses reported that Kyagulanyi’s convoy was intercepted at Baale Trading Center by a joint roadblock mounted by police and UPDF officers.
Supporters gathered in anticipation of the rally, prompting tension at the scene.
Kyagulanyi addressed the crowd briefly, asking supporters to remain calm and not confront security personnel.
He emphasized that despite the obstruction, the campaign was not weakening and that his team remained determined to reach supporters.
He also said that he intended to petition the Electoral Commission, claiming that security agencies were selectively blocking his movement while allowing other candidates to campaign freely.
Despite the disruption, Kyagulanyi assured the people of Iganga that he would return before the end of the campaign period.
The NUP team retreated peacefully to Jinja City, where they planned to resume rallies in Bugiri and Namayingo districts on Saturday.
