Scuffles mar Kyagulanyi campaigns in Kazo, Kiruhura

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Scuffles and heightened tensions on Wednesday (November 5) marked the campaigns of National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu in the districts of Kazo and Kiruhura, forcing security to intervene to prevent clashes between rival supporters.

Kyagulanyi, dressed in a grey Nigeria-style suit and his trademark red beret, set off from Lyantonde at around 9:30 am, where his team had spent the night after rallies in Ssembabule. 

But as his convoy entered Kiruhura, the atmosphere soon turned tense when groups of National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporters confronted his followers.

Kyagulanyi's programme, as per the Electoral Commission schedule, indicated that he was to campaign in Kiruhura and Kazo. 

However, at Sanga in Kiruhura district, a brief scuffle broke out when Kyagulanyi’s convoy encountered NRM supporters waving party flags and chanting slogans. Security personnel quickly intervened to separate the two groups and restore calm.

A police officer restraining NRM supporters. (Credit: Ponsiano Nsimbi)

However, in Rushere town, in the same district, the situation escalated into a physical fight when NRM supporters, some armed with sticks and stones, attempted to block Kyagulanyi’s supporters. Police acted swiftly, blocking the rival groups and diverting Kyagulanyi’s motorcade to prevent further confrontation.

In response to the growing tensions, police maintained a heavy deployment in the area, with up to five patrol vehicles stationed along the campaign route.

However, his attempts to hold a physical rally in the district failed after security blocked his motorcade, forcing his team to go to Kazo district, where he successfully campaigned at Kazo Model playground. 

There, Kyagulanyi called for unity and an end to tribal and political divisions. “We want to build a new Uganda where there are no divisions. Let us see each other as brothers and sisters, not enemies,” he told supporters.

He also pledged to tackle corruption and improve service delivery, saying his tour of western Uganda had revealed that poverty and poor infrastructure were widespread, even in areas perceived to be better off. “We have been driving across this region, and there is a lot of poverty and bad roads."

Kyagulanyi urged residents to exercise their right to vote freely, saying, “The Electoral Commission says there are 19 million voters in Uganda. I urge you to come out and vote. Together, we can change this country and usher in a new Uganda.”

Robert Kyagulanyi accompanied by his wife Barbie Kyagulanyi on the campaign trail. (Credit: Ponsiano Nsimbi)

Earlier in the day, his wife, Barbie Kyagulanyi, who accompanied him, briefly addressed supporters in Kashongi, Kiruhura, urging them to back her husband’s message of change.

“People of Kashongi, praise God! Thank you for welcoming us. When the time comes next year, please don’t forget to tick the umbrella — the symbol of the National Unity Platform. When you do, you’ll be voting for Kyagulanyi Ssentamu and for a new Uganda,” she said.