National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters in Kanungu District are deeply disappointed. For the second time, security officials have blocked a campaign rally by their presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi. The event was scheduled for January 8, 2026, but organizers cancelled it after authorities refused to clear any venue.
The NUP team first chose St. Pius Playground. Security rejected it without explanation. They then proposed Kihihi Community Polytechnic. Officials denied that site too—and quickly assigned it to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) for its own rally. “The venue… has been given out for an NRM function,” Kyagulanyi posted on social media. “We’re covering Mbarara only. Uganda will be free.”
Later that morning, police told the NUP team to move to Kihihi High School playground. But they never issued a clearance letter. Joab Muhabuzi, Kanungu District NUP Chairperson, confirmed the team tried three locations. None received approval. Meanwhile, the same sites opened easily for the ruling party.
This marks Kyagulanyi’s second failed attempt to hold a campaign rally in Kanungu. He also skipped a planned November 2025 visit. Some supporters blamed bad roads from Rukungiri. Others suspect political motives behind both cancellations.
Local supporter Dickens Mushemeza questioned the fairness. “Why do they make it impossible for our candidate to campaign here?” he asked. “Isn’t Kanungu part of Uganda?” His frustration echoes across opposition circles.
These repeated denials suggest unequal treatment. In a fair democracy, all candidates should access public spaces equally—especially during elections. When security clears venues for one party but blocks another, it harms electoral integrity and free expression.
Still, some supporters stay determined. Rauben Tumweaigye urged voters not to give up. “They can stop Mr. Kyagulanyi from campaigning,” he said, “but they cannot stop us from voting for him on polling day.” Many now see the ballot as their strongest tool.
The situation reflects wider challenges for opposition parties in Uganda. According to the United Nations Human Rights Office, governments must ensure equal conditions for all political actors—including peaceful assembly rights. Selective permit denials violate this principle.
Similar issues have emerged in other districts ahead of the January 15 polls. Opposition teams report sudden venue changes, unexplained delays, and outright rejections. Ruling party events, however, often proceed smoothly.
Denying a campaign rally in Kanungu is more than a scheduling problem. It signals exclusion and erodes trust in the process. While Kyagulanyi campaigns elsewhere, his Kanungu supporters feel ignored. Yet their resolve remains strong. On election day, they plan to turn frustration into votes.
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