MASAKA. National Unity Platform (NUP) Presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine has shaken Masaka City – the backyard of Mathias Mpuuga , the Nyendo-Mukungwe legislator who recently parted ways with the party .
Kyagulanyi has conducted two massive rallies – one at Masaka Ssaza Grounds in Nyendo/ Mukungwe Constituency which Mpuuga represents in Parliament and another at Kyajubira Grounds in Kimaanya /Kabonera Constituency .
At Masaka Ssaza Grounds, Kyagulanyi asked his arch-rival and ruling National Resistance Movement presidential flag bearer Yoweri Museveni to join him in pushing for vote protectors on the polling day since he also complained about Electoral Commission impartiality after the 2021 General Election.
“ If Gen Museveni complains that 1million of his votes were stolen ,it shows how serious the problem of vote rigging is , let him join us in pushing for vote protectors so that all candidates have people at polling stations to guard their votes ,” he said amid ululations from supporters
Kyagulanyi ,who was donning a traditional kiganda tunic( Kanzu) urged voters in Masaka to vote only NUP flag bearers ,saying they are the only ones who will push for regime change in Uganda.
“Some people betrayed us ,but we cannot ,but cannot cry for split milk ,we are moving forward with candidates we have scrutinised well to carry the struggle forward ,”
As Kyagalanyi was entering Masaka police mounted heavy roadblocks at all roads connecting to city centre to bar his supporters from entering the city .He convoy was diverted to Masaka-Mbarara Bypass to connect to the first venue at Masaka Ssaza Grounds
Masaka Sub-Region Police spokesperson Twaha Kasirye said the restriction was agreed upon during prior engagements with Kyagulanyi’s team, insisting the decision was necessary to prevent disruption of business activities in the city centre.
“We agreed with his team that they would use the Mbarara Bypass instead of passing through the central business district,” Kasirye said.
“Our aim is to allow business to continue smoothly in Masaka City. We do not want unnecessary congestion or disruption.”
However, NUP supporters in Masaka condemned the move, calling it discriminatory and unfair compared to how previous presidential candidates were handled.
“ Since he still has to campaign in Masaka District , I am he will pass in the city and see how people here love him ,” Samali Nakintu , a NUP supporter aid