National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu has urged residents of Buikwe District to vote against the ruling government in what he described as a “protest vote” to defend their livelihoods and challenge alleged state brutality.
Speaking during his campaign visit, Kyagulanyi widely known as Bobi Wine told supporters that communities around Lake Victoria have suffered from policies and practices that undermine fishing as a primary source of income.
He said reclaiming access to lake resources would require political change.
“We charged them to be part of the protest vote if they are to reclaim their lakes that have been a source of livelihood for their predominantly fishing community,” Kyagulanyi said.
The opposition leader also accused security forces of repeatedly targeting NUP supporters during campaign activities.
He described the alleged incidents as systematic violence intended to intimidate voters.
“We condemned the persistent violence by the criminal regime security forces that have made it a hobby to brutalize our peaceful supporters during our campaigns,” Kyagulanyi stated, calling on residents to respond at the ballot box.
According to him, high voter turnout and active participation in safeguarding election results will be critical to countering intimidation.
“The people must vote in large numbers and protect our vote,” he added.
Kyagulanyi’s remarks come as opposition campaigns intensify in fishing and lakeshore communities, where access, regulation and enforcement around lake resources remain politically sensitive. Security authorities and government officials have not yet responded to his latest claims.