Kyagulanyi tells NUP supporters to channel 'anger' to ballot
Kyagulanyi cautioned supporters against responding to beatings and teargas with stone-throwing, warning that such actions weaken the opposition’s cause.
National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu with supporters at his campaign rally. (Credit: Ponsiano Nsimbi)
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National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu has urged his supporters to remain peaceful and avoid confrontation with security forces ahead of Thursday's poll, calling on them to channel their sentiments via the ballot instead.
“Some people want us to get annoyed, but don’t give them that chance. “Do not fall for provocation. That is how violence has happened in the past," he said while campaigning in Mukono district on Friday (January 9).
Speaking in Ruanda village in Mukono municipality, the two-time presidential candidate cautioned supporters against responding to beatings and teargas with stone-throwing, warning that such actions weaken the opposition’s cause.
National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu greeting supporters during his campaign rally. (Credit: Ponsiano Nsimbi)
“Instead of showing your anger by throwing stones, translate that anger into the ballot box on voting day."
Kyagulanyi thanked the residents of Mukono for turning up in large numbers.
“Even when they [Police] block us from towns and take us to isolated places, you still come out and show your support."
Kyagulanyi being prayed for. (Credit: Ponsiano Nsimbi)
(Credit: Ponsiano Nsimbi)
The NUP leader was accompanied by several party leaders and candidates, including party spokesperson and Leader of Opposition in Parliament Joel Senyonyi, Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze, LC5 chairperson flagbearer Muyanja Ssenyonga, Woman MP flagbearer Sheilah Amaniyo, Mukono South parliamentary candidate Robert Maseruka, and Mukono North candidate Abdullah Kiwanuka.
He welcomed the conclusion of a legal battle involving Ssenyonyi, who is seeking re-election as Nakawa West MP.
Kyagulanyi warned supporters against what he described as deliberate misinformation and fake campaign materials intended to confuse voters. “They will print posters that look like ours. Do not fall for their lies."
He urged voters to support NUP flagbearers, arguing that youthful leaders bring energy and potential to public leadership.
“If the people of Kyadondo East had not voted for me, you would not know me today,” he said, citing Ssenyonyi’s parliamentary performance as an example of youthful leadership paying off.
Campaigning later in Katosi in Mukono South, Kyagulanyi pledged to address grievances related to the alleged mistreatment of fishing communities along Uganda’s lakes if elected president.
“Those who mistreated innocent people will be held accountable,” he said, adding that his government would institute a commission of inquiry to document violations committed in previous years.
Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze. (Credit: Ponsiano Nsimbi)
On her part, MP Nambooze criticised government job creation efforts, saying employment without adequate labour protection had left workers vulnerable.
She said factory workers were among the hardest-hit, claiming that some earn as little as sh6,000 a day.
“Labour laws are either weak or non-existent,” said Nambooze, criticising the government for shelving the Minimum Wage Bill passed by Parliament in 2015.