Heavy security presence dominated Fort Portal streets today as National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu was escorted out of the city following the blocking of his scheduled campaign rallies. Monitor
At around 12:30 pm, Mr. Kyagulanyi departed from Kenneth Inn Hotel on Rukidi III Street, flanked by a convoy of police and Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) vehicles. Armed officers surrounded his vehicle as preparations to travel to Kyenjojo and Kyegegwa districts continued under tight security. Monitor
Earlier, Mr. Kyagulanyi’s planned campaign stops across Kabarole and Fort Portal City were blocked by security forces, forcing him to abandon two of his key rally venues in the Tooro sub-region. His only appearance was in Bunyangabu, under significant military and police deployment. Monitor
As the convoy made its way through the town, supporters flocked to the route chanting “People Power, Our Power,” with many running alongside Mr. Kyagulanyi’s vehicle — momentarily disrupting traffic and business activities around Mpanga Market. Monitor
However, UPDF soldiers blocked a section at Mpanga Bridge, turning back several supporters attempting to continue with the convoy. Security officials cited an “unlawful procession” as the reason for the blockade, raising tensions among gathered traders and residents. Monitor
“I don’t know why they are blocking us from following him,” said one trader at Mpanga Market. “He is a presidential candidate. Are soldiers now partisan?” Monitor
Throughout the morning, troops and police officers maintained a heavy deployment across major streets leading into and out of the city, including prolonged closures of Rukidi III Street — a central commercial thoroughfare. Many business owners reported being unable to open for more than six hours as officers dispersed crowds and ordered closures. Monitor
Before departure, Mr. Kyagulanyi addressed journalists, accusing security agencies of partisanship and the Electoral Commission of failing to intervene as his team was repeatedly blocked from meeting supporters. He also hinted at concerns for his personal safety, saying he has received information about possible threats.
Heavy security presence dominated Fort Portal streets today as National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu was escorted out of the city following the blocking of his scheduled campaign rallies.
At around 12:30 pm, Mr. Kyagulanyi departed from Kenneth Inn Hotel on Rukidi III Street, flanked by a convoy of police and Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) vehicles. Armed officers surrounded his vehicle as preparations to travel to Kyenjojo and Kyegegwa districts continued under tight security.
Earlier, Mr. Kyagulanyi’s planned campaign stops across Kabarole and Fort Portal City were blocked by security forces, forcing him to abandon two of his key rally venues in the Tooro sub-region. His only appearance was in Bunyangabu, under significant military and police deployment
As the convoy made its way through the town, supporters flocked to the route chanting “People Power, Our Power,” with many running alongside Mr. Kyagulanyi’s vehicle — momentarily disrupting traffic and business activities around Mpanga Market.
However, UPDF soldiers blocked a section at Mpanga Bridge, turning back several supporters attempting to continue with the convoy. Security officials cited an “unlawful procession” as the reason for the blockade, raising tensions among gathered traders and residents.
“I don’t know why they are blocking us from following him,” said one trader at Mpanga Market. “He is a presidential candidate. Are soldiers now partisan?”
Throughout the morning, troops and police officers maintained a heavy deployment across major streets leading into and out of the city, including prolonged closures of Rukidi III Street — a central commercial thoroughfare. Many business owners reported being unable to open for more than six hours as officers dispersed crowds and ordered closures.
Before departure, Mr. Kyagulanyi addressed journalists, accusing security agencies of partisanship and the Electoral Commission of failing to intervene as his team was repeatedly blocked from meeting supporters. He also hinted at concerns for his personal safety, saying he has received information about possible threats.