KAMPALA. Police have defended their action where several members of National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi’s campaign team were rounded up by security operatives in Mbarara City on Friday evening .
The group ,of mostly foot soldiers as they are widely known , was waylaid by security operative while in a procession to Buzibweera Town Council where Kyagulanyi also known as Bobi Wine had planned a second rally after one at Mbarara High School playground .
In a statement on Friday police spokesperson Rusoke Kituma said their crackdown down targeted individuals with “criminal records” , including assaulting officers, destroying government property, and those that obstructed officers on duty were also arrested.
“ The police remain steadfast in their commitment to safeguarding all candidates, but will not tolerate criminality or disorder. Candidates are cautioned against engaging in violence, and any individual choosing this path will be held personally accountable. All political actors are urged to conduct themselves civilly, respect legal frameworks, and maintain peace throughout the campaign period, and follow campaign guidelines as issued by all regulatory stakeholders,” he said
Despite the arrests of his campaign team members , Kyagulanyi vowed to continue his campaign, confirming that he will visit Rwampara and Ntungamo tomorrow, Saturday.
“They are doing this to deter us from going to all these places in Ankole, but we shall go to Rwampara and Ntungamo because we are going there within the law,” he said.