Military Deployed Near Bobi Wine’s Residence over Kayunga By Elections

Police and military personnel have closed several access routes to the residence of National Unity Platform (NUP) leader, Bobi Wine in Magere, Wakiso district.

The heavily-armed security personnel this Tuesday morning used barricades to block motorists from accessing Bobi’s home.

NUP Secretary General David Lewis Lubongoya said Bobi’s home was “surrounded by the police and military to block him from going to Kayunga” where he was expected to campaign for the NUP candidate in the by-election for LC5 chairperson.

“This morning, ahead of my planned visit to Kayunga District to campaign for our flag bearer, the police and military deployed overnight around my home in an apparent attempt to block me from leaving,” said Bobi Wine.

“The cowardly regime is on its way out. A matter of time,” he added.

The by-election has attracted six candidates including Andrew Muwonge of the ruling National Resistance Movement-NRM party, Harriet Nakwede of the National Unity Platform-NUP, Anthony Waddimba from the Democratic Party-DP, and independent candidates; Boniface Bandikubi, Majid Nyanzi and Jamil Kamoga.

The candidates seek to replace Feffeka Serubogo, who passed away just months after taking office this year.

Police spokesperson Fred Enanga told media Bobi Wine was free to travel to Kayunga but that rallies would not be tolerated to prevent spread of COVID-19.

“No one has blocked Bobi Wine from campaigning for his candidate in Kayunga, but the Electoral Commission issued guidelines banning processions and observance of protocols against Covid,” said Enanga.

Officials said Bobi planned to move in a convoy from Magere all the way to Kayunga.

Meanwhile, security has been tightened in Kayonza and Busaana sub-counties where President Museveni will be campaigning for Muwonge.

Armoured cars, anti-riot police personnel and teargas canisters rolled into Kayunga town this Tuesday morning ahead of the president’s arrival.

Uganda faced unprecedented political violence during the 2021 general elections. Security forces regularly battled NUP supporters, leading to bloodshed.

The elections for Kayunga District LC 5 Chairperson are slated for Thursday, December 16, 2021.