Kalungu West Member of Parliament Joseph Ssewungu has come out in strong defense of National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, rejecting claims that the opposition leader’s campaign activities are causing widespread traffic disruptions.
Speaking during NBS Barometer on Tuesday, Ssewungu criticized the police for their handling of crowds during the election campaign, particularly in relation to the recent use of force at NUP rallies.
Responding to allegations from police that NUP supporters were disrupting traffic during campaign events, Ssewungu challenged these claims, stating that "We all know the number one traffic disruptor in this country"—a pointed remark suggesting that the government, rather than the opposition, is the primary source of traffic disruptions.
Ssewungu also addressed concerns about the movement of Kyagulanyi’s supporters, particularly in relation to accusations that the NUP leader’s campaign rallies are being followed by large crowds that could cause public disorder.
He dismissed claims that Kyagulanyi’s campaign activities were causing traffic problems in places like Kalungu and beyond, arguing that it is natural for supporters to follow a presidential candidate as he campaigns across the country.
“Are you trying to tell me that Kyagulanyi has Boda Bodas that leave Kalungu and go to Karamoja? You can’t tell me that Kyagulanyi, a presidential candidate, will leave his home to go campaigning without people following him,” Ssewungu stated, emphasizing that the police should focus on managing the crowds rather than resorting to excessive force or arrests.
Ssewungu’s comments come in the wake of last weeks Kawempe incident, where police deployed dogs to disperse crowds at a NUP rally. Videos from the event show the dogs lunging at civilians, sparking outrage and further calls for accountability from Uganda’s security forces.
The MP’s remarks are likely to fuel ongoing debates about the role of the police in ensuring safety at political rallies. With increasing scrutiny on the security forces’ conduct, especially in relation to crowd control, the call for more responsible and less aggressive policing has gained traction, particularly among opposition parties and civil society organizations.
As the election season heats up, Ssewungu’s defense of Kyagulanyi’s campaign and his sharp criticism of police tactics reflect the broader tensions that are shaping Uganda’s political landscape.