By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
The Uganda Police Force has blocked one of the two post-nomination rallies planned by National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, citing safety and security concerns.
In a letter dated 22nd September 2025, signed by Okoshi Simon Peter, on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Abbas Byakagaba, police acknowledged NUP’s notification to hold rallies at Katwe Grounds in Makindye Division and Kaala Playground in Nateete, Rubaga Division, after Kyagulanyi’s nomination for the 2026 general elections.
Police, however, declared Katwe Grounds unsuitable due to its proximity to Katwe Market, several businesses, a high-voltage powerline, and the busy Queensway section of Entebbe Road which is crossed by a railway line. The second venue, Kaala Playground in Nateete, was cleared for the event under strict guidelines.
According to the letter, NUP has been directed to secure necessary clearances from local authorities, observe public order requirements, adhere to traffic laws, provide emergency medical services, and avoid processions that could disrupt traffic and business activities.
Reacting to the development, Bobi Wine accused authorities of deliberately frustrating his campaign plans.
“As predicted, they have cancelled our rally at Katwe and only cleared Nateete! That’s why they had to push our nomination to 2:00pm so that we do only one event. Regardless, we shall meet and speak to our people. Let’s all meet at Kaala Playground, Nateete on Wednesday,” he said in a statement.
.Bobi Wine’s candidature had earlier been in doubt after the Electoral Commission revealed that he lacked the required signatures to back his nomination. The NUP later recollected and submitted the signatures, and on Monday, the Commission issued him a Nomination Certificate. He is set to be officially nominated on Wednesday 24th September, 2025, at 2:00pm at the EC nomination venue in Lweza-Kigo, Makindye Ssabagabo, Wakiso District.
