Bugiri elections: We don’t want to cause chaos, Besigye tells police
Shortly after his arrival, Dr Kizza Besigye’s convoy was intercepted at Obama Street by police, but later left to proceed to Hindocha primary school where Namatende was to hold her final rally. PHOTO BY RONALD SEEBE
What you need to know:
- Early this week, NRM secretary general, Justine Kasule Lumumba expressed concern over a group of people from Kampala allegedly led by Mr Kyagulanyi whom she accused of engaging in acts of lawlessness in Bugiri.
As politicians windup campaigns for Bugiri Municipality MP seat, former presidential candidate Dr Kizza Besigye has asked police to stop interfering in their activities.
Dr Besigye arrived in Bugiri Municipality at about 11: am to drum up support for the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) candidate Eunice Namatende ahead of the polls slated for July 27, 2018.
Shortly after his arrival, Dr Besigye’s convoy which comprised of several Opposition leaders including Salamu Musumba, was intercepted at Obama Street by police, but later left to proceed to Hindocha primary school where Namatende was expected to hold her final rally.
"We do not want to cause chaos and violence. But we want peace as FDC," Dr Besigye told police.
Meanwhile, one of the candidates in the race, Mr Asuman Basalirwa who is accompanied by Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu popularly known as Bobi Wine, is addressing his supporters at Bugiri Bus Park.
President Museveni is also expected to address supporters of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate, John Francis Oketcho at Bukooli Technical institute.
Kyadondo East MP Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu popularly known as Bobi Wine takes a selfie during campaigns for the Bugiri Municipality election that was won by Asuman Basalirwa. COURTESY PHOTO
Earlier, police arrested several people after raiding a hotel booked by Mr Kyagulanyi.
Mr Kyagulanyi said their supporters had been arrested due to Mr Museveni’s visit to Bugiri.
“We are being told that since President Museveni is campaigning in Bugiri today, they wanted to arrest me and the team so as to ensure he finds a smooth ground. This is very wrong and unfortunate. This is our country! We’re in a political contest, not in a military contest. All of us should be left to campaign for our respective candidates so that the people decide for themselves who to vote. The NRM more than anyone else should remember that intimidation of this kind has been used throughout history but it never wins in the end,” he wrote.
Early this week, NRM secretary general, Justine Kasule Lumumba expressed concern over a group of people from Kampala allegedly led by Mr Kyagulanyi whom she accused of engaging in acts of lawlessness in Bugiri.
Ms Lumumba appealed to the police to intervene, fearing more people risk being injured ahead of the July 27 election.
This Friday, voters take to the polls to elect a Mayor and MP for the newly created Bugiri municipality.
