The National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate, Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi, commonly known as Bobi Wine, has accused the Electoral Commission (EC) of turning a blind eye to the continued harassment, assault, and arrest of his supporters by security agencies.
While addressing the media in Mbarara City on Saturday before proceeding to Rwampara and Ntungamo districts for his campaign trail, Kyagulanyi revealed that he has written several letters to Justice Simon Byabakama, the EC Chairperson, reporting what he termed as persistent attacks by security operatives and Resident District Commissioners (RDCs).
However, he said the Commission has not responded to any of his complaints.
Kyagulanyi’s remarks followed what he described as “unfortunate events” that occurred on Friday evening as his team attempted to head to Bwizibwera for a scheduled rally.
According to him, more than 100 NUP supporters were violently arrested and detained at Mbarara Central Police Station on unclear charges. Among the detained, he said, are party parliamentary candidates, supporters, and residents who had escorted him from Mbarara High School playground, where he had held his first rally.
“Their situation is dire, with the majority visibly in pain from severe beatings. The absurdity is that they are still handcuffed even inside police cells,” Kyagulanyi said.
“Our comrades now join 10 others detained in Lira Prison and another 20 held in Kiruhura. We call upon the regime to release all political prisoners because they are innocent.”
He further claimed that the government’s actions are intended to “break the spirit” of opposition supporters and derail their push for change.
“We know the regime intends to slow us down, but we are not giving up. We are proceeding to Rwampara and Ntungamo for our scheduled campaigns,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) has also expressed concern over the violent disruption of opposition campaign activities.
In a statement signed by Alice Alaso Asianut, the party’s Acting National Coordinator, ANT condemned the “barbaric treatment” of NUP supporters, particularly the reported humiliation of women during arrests.
“The continued harassment of Hon. Kyagulanyi and his supporters, recently witnessed in Lira, Kiruhura, and Mbarara, undermines citizens’ rights to participate freely in the electoral process,” the statement read.
“Women leaders in the current government should condemn this treatment of fellow women. The Electoral Commission must act decisively, it is their mandate to protect all candidates and ensure fairness.”
ANT further warned that the continued use of unidentified armed groups to intimidate citizens is “a recipe for chaos and instability,” calling for the unconditional release of all detained opposition supporters.
In response, Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma reaffirmed that the Police remain committed to safeguarding all candidates but warned that acts of violence and lawlessness will not be tolerated.
“All political actors are urged to conduct themselves civilly, respect legal frameworks, and maintain peace throughout the campaign period,” Kituuma said. “Any individual engaging in criminal acts will be held personally accountable.”
The Source Reports.
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