PALIISA. Police in Pallisa District blocked Common Man’s Party (CMP) presidential flag bearer Mubarak Munyagwa from entering the town center , sparking a confrontation between police his supporters .
Munyagwa accused security forces particularly Police of violating his right to campaign freely ahead of January polls .
Munyagwa, who was in the district to drum up support for his presidential bid had planned to hold a series of community meetings across Pallisa.
However, his procession was interrupted at the gateway to the town, where police officers informed him that he was not permitted to pass through the town center.
Although Munyagwa pleaded with police officers, explaining that he only wished to stop for lunch a some restaurant
The police redirected him to an alternative route, which also led toward the market area—only for him to find it heavily encircled by security personnel.
Frustrated, Munyagwa stepped out of his car and attempted to proceed on foot, but officers blocked his path and forcibly detained him after a scuffle broke out between police and his supporters.
He was later bundled into a police patrol vehicle and dropped him off at Karaki Primary School playground, several kilometers away from his planned campaign venue.
Following the confrontation, Munyagwa called off his campaign activities in Pallisa and left the district- accusing the security forces of frustrating opposition activities and violating his right to assemble and mobilize the electorate .
Speaking later along the Buseeta roadside, Munyagwa and other CMP officials condemned the actions of the police and the Electoral Commission, accusing them of bias and political interference.
“We came here peacefully to meet our supporters, but the police have decided who can and cannot campaign in Uganda. This is unacceptable in a democratic country,” Munyagwa told reporters.
The Common Man’s Party leadership said they will petition the Electoral Commission and announce their next course of action in the coming days.