Kyagulanyi supporters storm church to meet him

PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGNS

Supporters of National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi stormed  St. Henry's Cathedral Kitovu in Masaka city to catch a glimpse of him on Sunday.

Kyagulanyi, better known by his music stage name Bobi Wine, was supposed to campaign in Masaka, but the Electoral Commission suspended campaigns there - and other areas - over surging COVID-19 cases.

Kyagulanyi, who spent Saturday night in Masaka after his campaigns in Rakai, Lyantonde and Kyotera districts, joined faithful at St. Henry's Cathedral for a morning Mass.

Upon learning of his exact location, his supporters appeared at the church chanting "Bobi Wine! People Power, our power!"

Inside, Kyagulanyi was in the company of Mathias Mpuuga, the Masaka Municipality MP who doubles as the NUP vice-president for Central region. Other politicians were also in attendance.

In his sermon, parish priest Fr. Rev. Ronald Ssekanjako spoke tough against corruption and poverty, which he said affects society, and implored families to avoid such practices which he said stem from homes and spread at the national level.

He also said the government has not done enough to solve such issues as poverty and corruption.

"We need a redeemer to rescue us as a country. Who do you think can redeem this country?" he asked the congregation.

"Kyagulanyi!" chorused back the NUP leader's supporters in the vicinity.

Ssekanjako then turned to him: "Kyagulanyi, people have picked you to redeem this country."

Addressing the congregation, the NUP presidential contestant spoke of the difficulties he has faced during his countrywide campaigns, including altercations with the security along the way.

But he struck a tone of resilience.

"We are ready to suffer for the truth because we break no law - even when we are shot at with bullets, teargassed or pepper sprayed."

Kyagulanyi promised the area people improved health and education services in the country if he is elected the next president of Uganda.

On his way out after the Mass, Police dispersed the large crowd following him as Uganda tries to stem the spread of the coronavirus. Results from tests done on Christmas Day (December 25) indicate 203 new COVID-19 cases, bringing Uganda's cumulative cases to 33,563.

As many as 245 people have succumbed to the virus while 11,055 have recovered.

Globally, 80.2 million people have contracted the virus while 45.4 million have recovered.  But 1.76 million deaths have been recorded.

Meanwhile, Kyagulanyi is scheduled to campaign in Bukomansimbi district on Sunday.

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