Unlike what has been happening in the last four days where police and Army have been firing live bullets and teargas to supporters of National Unity Platform(NUP) where presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu has been campaigning , it has been a different experience in Jinja City and Iganga District .
Despite heavy security deployment and widespread roadblocks which disrupted transport for the better part of Friday ,Kyagulanyi successfully had his rallies in the two areas.Some live bullets were only fired as Kyagulanyi was leaving the last rally at Iganga Railways Grounds .
The blockade caused long traffic delays, diverted motorists onto alternative routes, and left many commuters stranded along the usually busy Jinja-Iganga –Tororo highway .
Security officials said the measures were intended to maintain public order and prevent what they described as “unauthorised gatherings.”
As a result, Kyagulanyi was neither permitted to address nor interact with supporters within Jinja City. Residents who attempted to gather along roadsides were quickly dispersed.
Despite the heavy security presence, small groups of enthusiastic residents lined the streets hoping to catch sight of the NUP leader, though most were blocked before reaching the expected rally points.
Police later instructed Kyagulanyi’s convoy to move directly to Iganga District, where he was scheduled to continue his mobilisation activities.
The disruptions sparked mixed reactions among locals. Some residents expressed disappointment at the restrictions, while others welcomed the heightened security presence, saying it was necessary to maintain order.
Kyagulanyi’s team strongly criticised the operation, calling it an infringement on political freedoms.
Police, however, maintained that their actions were aimed at ensuring public safety and the smooth flow of city activities. Tomorrow , Saturday Kyagulanyi is campaigning in Masaka –another NUP stronghold like Jinja and Iganga .