Security forces, NUP disagree over Bobi Wine’s rally venues in Mayuge

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Security officials in Mayuge district have failed to reach a consensus with leaders of the National Unity Platform (NUP) on the venues where party leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu aka Bobi Wine, is expected to address his supporters.

Kyagulanyi is currently campaigning in Busoga region in a bid to consolidate political support ahead of the next presidential elections in January 2026.

His scheduled visit to Mayuge this Friday (October 3, 2025) has already generated excitement, with many of his supporters eager to welcome him and listen to his message.

However, the anticipated visit has sparked friction between security agencies and NUP leaders, who are clashing over the proposed campaign venues. The disagreement arose on Tuesday (September 30) afternoon during a meeting convened by the district security committee to harmonise preparations for Bobi Wine’s rallies.

Resident District Commissioner Lt. Ramathan Walugembe said they lack enough manpower to control large crowds at the selected venues, which include Bugoto landing site in Bukabooli (Bunya East), Nakigo in Malongo (Bunya South), and Lwanika landing site in Bukatuube sub-county (Bunya West).

“We have no problem with NUP’s activities, but our priority is to maintain order and protect both the people and their leaders. Some of the proposed venues are difficult to secure given our limited personnel and risk of infiltration by criminal elements,” Walugembe said.

But NUP leaders in Mayuge district, led by the party’s vice-chairperson and Bunya East NUP flag-bearer James Waira Kyewalabye Majegere, accused the authorities of deliberately frustrating their campaign activities.

Majegere questioned why Bobi Wine’s rallies were being subjected to tighter restrictions.

“Our leader wants to speak to the people of Mayuge, especially the fishing communities, but security is blocking us with claims of ADF [Allied Democratic Forces rebels] threats. Why?” Majegere asked.

The NUP delegation eventually walked out of the meeting in protest and later regrouped at Seaveal Hotel in Mayuge town council, where they resolved to wait for further communication from the district security committee.

Although the two sides didn’t agree, Walugembe insisted that dialogue would continue and asked NUP leaders to return for further discussions before Friday.

“We are not against their programme, but they need to choose venues that are safe and can be managed from a security perspective,” he said.