Police intercepted National Unity Platform (NUP) President and presidential flagbearer Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu as he traveled to Bwizibwera in Mbarara District for his second campaign rally, arresting several of his supporters in the process.
Kyagulanyi said the interception came without explanation, and he estimated about 100 of his footsoldiers were detained.
“We have been intercepted here and police has no reason, much as we have been asking why. Several of our people have been arrested; some have fainted, some have disappeared, and many have been whisked away. Police has not come out to explain their actions, neither has the Electoral Commission,” he said.
Despite the setback, Kyagulanyi vowed to continue his campaign, confirming that he will visit Rwampara and Ntungamo tomorrow, Saturday.
“They are doing this to deter us from going to all these places in Ankole, but we shall go to Rwampara and Ntungamo because we are going there within the law,” he said.
Regional Police Commander SSP Alfred Bangambaki, who led the interception and arrests, stated that the detained individuals had committed offenses but did not provide further details.
Kyagulanyi criticized the police action, asking, “Aren’t you ashamed of yourself?”
Meanwhile, residents at the scene recorded the incident on their phones as events unfolded.