The opposition National Unity Platform presidential candidate Hon Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine has vowed to continue his campaigns despite yesterday’s setback when his planned campaign meetings in Kalangala District were blocked by security agencies.
Speaking to the media on Thursday morning at his home in Wakiso District, Kyagulanyi said arrests and disruptions by security agencies will not stop him from advancing on his campaign trail up to the last day.
According to the campaign programme sanctioned by the Electoral Commission, presidential candidate Kyagulanyi is supposed to be campaigning in Bukomansimbi and Mpigi today.
“Many of our team members were arrested but that will not stop us because this is not about Kyagulanyi and it’s not about my campaign team; it’s about all the people of Uganda who are yearning for change. So therefore, right from here I am heading to Bukomansimbi for campaigns”
Kyagulanyi also expressed need for security to “refrain from breaking the law” in the process of enforcing the same.
“I send a message to the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People’s Defense Forces that you are continuously being used to break the law. You should chose to follow the law and do what is right because…
Kyagulanyi was yesterday blocked from holding campaign meetings in Kalangala where he had gone to canvass for votes. He was later airlifted and dropped at his home in Magere, Wakiso District but majority of members on his campaign team were arrested.
Using his social media accounts, Kyagulanyi later accused security agencies of teargassing him inside the police van before dumping him at his home.
“When I was arrested today, I was dumped into a mobile prison van which was tear-gassed. My campaign team is under arrest! I was airlifted in a military chopper & dropped at my gate. My home is surrounded. Gen. Museveni violently restricting us while he campaigns daily!” he said.
In a statement posted on Uganda Police official sites, police stated that Bobi was being restrained from holding mass rallies which were banned at the start of campaigns in November 2020.
“Please disregard false claims by NUP and other social media platforms that Hon.Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert has been arrested, while on his campaign trail in Kalangala District. We would like to clarify that the candidate was restrained for continuously holding massive rallies amidst the increased threats of coronavirus, in total disregard of the Electoral commission and Ministry of Health guidelines. He’s being transferred to his home in Magere, Kampala” Uganda Police stated.
The police statement however did not provide details whether Bobi’s other campaigns will be allowed to proceed since he had not convened the meeting when he was arrested in Kalangala but was still on his way when his entourage was blocked.
