Kyagulanyi skips Madi-Okollo campaign rallies

______________

National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi, on November 17, 2025, skipped planned campaign rallies in Madi-Okollo district, citing the poor road network that made access to several parts of the area nearly impossible.

Kyagulanyi, who is currently touring the West Nile region, was scheduled to address supporters in Madi-Okollo before proceeding to the districts of Nebbi and Zombo the next day. However, by the time he reached the district, it was already nightfall, well past the 6:00pm legal time for candidates to hold campaign activities.

He instead checked his team into the William Street Hotel in Madi-Okollo to rest ahead of the next day’s programme.

Plan for missed districts

The latest development means he has now missed five districts on his campaign schedule, including Iganga, Kanungu, Alebtong, and Karenga.

Last week, the NUP candidate explained that several districts were left out of his initial plan due to security interference and logistical challenges.

“Yes, we missed some districts. For example, we were blocked from going to Iganga and Buikwe. Our campaign team was ambushed, and many were arrested. We also couldn’t reach Kanungu because of the terrible roads,” Kyagulanyi said.

He added that his team is adjusting the campaign itinerary to ensure all regions are eventually covered.

“We are re-planning to make sure we get to the districts we missed. Some, like Iganga, have already been fixed back into our programme,” he said.

Robert Kyagulanyi welcomed by supporters at his campaign rally. (Credit: Ponsiano Nsimbi)

Basic amenities

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Kyagulanyi, whose team was forced to endure the most basic of amenities without running water and electricity, said the situation in Madi-Okollo, where he spent the night, illustrates what he has repeatedly described as government neglect of rural communities.

He argued that West Nile’s economic potential continues to be constrained by poor infrastructure, including roads, health centres, and electricity coverage.

With the right policies that prioritise rural infrastructure, he said, private sector investment would be easier to attract and essential services would no longer remain as basic as they are today.

Kyagulanyi is expected to continue his campaign trail in other West Nile districts this week, including Arua, Maracha, Koboko, Yumbe, Obongi, Moyo as he pushes to become president in next year's general elections.