NRM cadres disrupt Mbabazi Mbarara rally

Mbarara.

They had started hooting and riding around town in excited anticipation of getting free fuel, and probably some monetary facilitation to escort Mr Amama Mbabazi’s convoy across town. It’s what boda-boda riders do during political rallies.

However, as fate would have it, one by one, the cyclists were approached by team of NRM mobilisers who promised them Shs40,000 and fuel but on condition that they picked it at an entertainment place in Nyamitanga, which is about 3kms from the town. On reaching there, more than 300 riders were locked up and told they would only be released after the Go Forward candidate had finished addressing his rally.

Private security guards manned the gate with instructions that none should come near the gate. This went on from 11am to 7pm when Mr Mbabazi’s rally at Booma Grounds was done.

Some hoped to get the promised money and a meal too. At the end, they never got any. Some were heard cursing how they will never vote for the NRM party again.

“We were at Mr Mbabazi’s rally, some people asked us to leave promising to give us Shs40,000. They took us to Nyamitanga (to get the money). When we reached there, they closed us in. It is now 5pm, we haven’t seen the money or food,” Mr Wilber Byamugisha, one of the boda boda cyclists told Daily Monitor.

Some unknown people had earlier in the night defaced or pulled down posters of Mr Mbabazi in Mbarara Town. Ms Jolly Mugisha, one of the Go Forward mobilisers in Mbarara, said Electoral Commission is aware of the disruptions.

The boda boda incident however, did not dampen the mood at the rally venue where the organising committee led by former Mbarara District council speaker Dominic Katusiime Kashaaki, gifted Mr Mbabazi with a drum, a stool and a steering, items which signify power.

Speaking at the rally, Mr Mbabazi promised to take action.
“I have heard that boda boda cyclists have been paid and more than 300 have been locked in Nyamitanga Resort. Last night they tore down our posters,” he said.

The boda boda incident was one of the many that NRM mobilisers have carried out through Mr Mbabazi’s tour of the Western region with the most prominent one being defacing of his posters and sending NRM branded vehicles to drive through his rallies. At the rally, Mr Mbabazi also said he would campaign in every constituency. He promised to fight corruption, ensure pensioners get their pay without bribing and restore term limits.