KAMPALA — 22 September 2025: The Uganda Police Force has granted the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) conditional approval to hold one post-nomination political rally in Kampala, while emphasizing the need for strict adherence to public order and safety guidelines.
According to a police statement issued on September 22, 2025, NUP’s Party President and presidential candidate was given the go-ahead to hold their post nomination rally at Kaala Playground in Rubaga Division, but issued an objection to the second in Katwe. The permission follows a clearance certificate by the Electoral Commission clearing way for NUP candidate Robert Kyagulanyi to be nominated on Wednesday at 2:00pm.
The police have identified and rejected the Katwe Playground venue, citing safety concerns. The statement explains that the location is “unsuitable for a political rally due to its proximity to Katwe Market and several other businesses.” It also noted the venue’s closeness to a high-voltage powerline and a railway line. The second proposed venue, Kaala Playground, was found suitable.
In response, the NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi refered to the decision by police and the delayed clearance from the Electoral Commission as an orchestrated plan to frustrate their events.
“As predicted, they have cancelled our rally at Katwe and only cleared Nateete! That’s why they had to push our nomination to 2:00pm so that we do only one event. REGARDLESS, WE SHALL MEET AND SPEAK TO OUR PEOPLE. LET’S ALL MEET AT KAALA PLAYGROUND, NATEETE ON WEDNESDAY!” Robert Kyagulanyi posted on X adding;
“Since we know how they normally behave, as soon as they started those stories, we moved ahead of them and booked both Katwe Grounds and Kaala Playground (Nateete) for both dates! Nothing will stop the revolutionary cause!”
The police have outlined a series of conditions that the NUP must follow to ensure law and order during the approved rally:
* Secure Clearance: The NUP leadership must obtain clearances from the venue management and local authorities.
* Public Order: All aspects of public order requirements must be observed.
* Traffic Laws: The party must ensure strict adherence to traffic laws and regulations.
* Public Health and Safety: Appropriate measures for public health and safety must be in place, including emergency medical services.
* No Processions: The statement explicitly prohibits any processions along the routes to and from the rally venue, stating that they may “interfere with normal traffic flow.”
The police have advised the NUP to adhere to these guidelines, which are meant to protect the public and ensure the rally proceeds peacefully.
