Tension and excitement gripped Ssembabule District as National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu brought his campaign tour to the area, drawing huge crowds and sharp reactions from ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidates.
After wrapping up his mobilization drive in Gomba District, Kyagulanyi addressed two major rallies — one at Ssaza Grounds and another in Mitete Town — where he urged supporters to back NUP candidates at all levels and vote for him in the upcoming presidential race.
However, his presence ignited political tempers among NRM loyalists, who accused him of exaggerating his influence in the region.
Observers noted that major routes across the district were heavily decorated with yellow NRM posters and banners, stretching from Mitete through Katimba, Mateete, Movement Trading Centre, Kabundi, and Lwamwende to Ssembabule Town, creating the impression that President Museveni was also campaigning there.
Dez Byuuma, the NRM flag bearer for Mawogola South, dismissed the significance of Kyagulanyi’s rallies, insisting that “Mawogola County remains a solid stronghold of President Museveni.”
He claimed that the current MP “is not a true leader but merely popular on TikTok,” vowing to reclaim the seat for NRM.
His counterpart, Aine Sodo Kaguta, who is contesting for the Mawogola North seat, echoed similar sentiments, saying many of those who attended the NUP rallies were driven by curiosity rather than political allegiance.
He maintained that NRM’s support in Ssembabule remains strong and that the ruling party is preparing to welcome President Museveni for his own campaign visits.
Despite the fiery exchanges, Kyagulanyi’s rallies in Ssembabule proceeded peacefully under tight security, with police and military officers ensuring order as he later continued to Lyantonde District for the next leg of his campaign.
