URN.The Police have sealed off the entrance and exit for the residence of former presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi commonly known Bobi Wine in Magere, Wakiso District to block him from going to participate in the campaigns for Kayunga District by-elections
NUP candidate with supporters during campaigns for the by-elections in Kayunga District where Mr Kyagulanyi was expected to join.
Former Presidential Candidate Robert Kyagulanyi commonly known as Bobi Wine has been blocked from leaving his home in Magere, Wakiso District to go to Kayunga District.
Mr Kyagulanyi, the leader of the opposition National Unity Platform – NUP had scheduled Tuesday to travel to campaign for the NUP candidate, Harriet Nakwedde in the Kayunga District by-elections.
Ms Nakwedde is battling with five others including Mr Andrew Muwonge of the ruling National Resistance Movement – NRM with the elections slated for Thursday this week.
However, the security comprising of the armed Police and Local Defence Unit – LDU personnel deployed on Monday evening and at the junctions connecting to his residence.
Neighbouring residents and business operators in the area say that the security personnel were deployed on Monday at around 9pm and spent the whole night patrolling the entire area while others camped at Mr Kyagulanyi’s gate blocking entry and exit of people.
On Tuesday morning, the Police blocked and turned way several people among them journalists and politicians who attempted to access Mr Kyagulanyi’s residence. They said that that they were acting on orders from their superiors to stop everyone except neighbours who needed to explain and show proof that they stay in the area.
Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson, Luke Oweyesigire confirmed the presence of the security in Magere but insisted that the Police officers were not deployed in the premises.
“We are in the surrounding public area and not in the premises of Mr Kyagulanyi,” he said on phone. “We got information that he (Kyagulayi) would lead a procession from Kampala to Kayunga to show support to the NUP candidate in Kayunga District campaigns for the by-elections.”
He explained that the police presence was in response to the intelligence information but they will vacate by close of business on today -Tuesday, when they have information that there is no more threat.
Mr Joel Ssenyonyi, the NUP Spokesperson said that one is allowed to access or leave Mr Kyagulanyi’s home and that his guard and gardener were beaten and arrested before they were whisked away to an unknown place.
Mr Ssenyonyi described the police act as an expression of cowardice because leaders fear to be embarrassed by those, they consider younger.
“Mr Museveni should stop fooling the world that he exercises democracy in Uganda, why put elections in place if you want to be the only one out there campaigning while blocking your opponents?” he said.
On the Kayunga by-elections campaigns, Mr Ssenyonyi assured the public that several leaders have been going there in the past days and that the party shall continue to step up the effort to secure a win.
“What is happening in Kayunga is really what is happening in the rest of the country, people are yearning for change,” he added. “A day will come when Mr Museveni’s guns and money will not shield him anymore. Nothing can stop an idea whose time has come.”
