Summary:
- Bobi Wine’s statement was in response to a letter issued by Mfitumukiza Kallu Sam, on behalf of the Ministry of Defense, which informed the National Unity Platform leaders that the party could not use the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds due to ongoing infrastructural developments.
KAMPALA: The President of the National Unity Platform Party, Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, has criticized the Ministry of Defense for denying his party access to the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, calling it an example of state capture.
Bobi Wine’s statement was in response to a letter issued by Mfitumukiza Kallu Sam, on behalf of the Ministry of Defense, which informed the National Unity Platform leaders that the party could not use the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds due to ongoing infrastructural developments.
Bobi Wine expressed disbelief at the letter’s reasoning, stating, “These same grounds have been hosting different events, including recently when they had an event to apparently recognize 40 years of NRM in actual sense, 40 years of plunder and misrule. Different individuals and other organizations continue to hold concerts and other events there. Effectively, these public grounds are only available for use by everyone who worships Gen. Museveni and his regime.”
He replied to the letter via his Twitter handle, reiterating that the decision exemplifies state capture. “Even as we traverse Western Uganda for our #NUPCountryWideTour2, all venue owners in towns have been intimidated not to host us. Even those we had booked in Ntungamo and Isingiro District were intimidated and forced to cancel their bookings with us.”
Bobi Wine added, “Regime operatives have all been directed to give us venues that are located in villages that are sparsely populated. It still baffles them that many people are still able to travel these distances to come and listen to us.”
Bobi Wine is currently in the Ntungamo District for a mobilization rally. He is also expected to hold a rally in the Isingiro District tomorrow (Friday).
