Politics 22 June 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
NUP Cancels Kalangala Rally Amidst Venue Disputes
The National Unity Platform (NUP) has canceled its final campaign rally for the Kalangala Woman MP by-election, citing repeated denial of access to agreed-upon venues by security agencies. The party had to switch venues multiple times due to security concerns and alleged interference. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/kalangala-by-election-nup-cancels-final-rally-over-venue-disputes-5505084
The National Unity Platform (NUP) has been forced to cancel its crucial final rally ahead of the Kalangala Woman Member of Parliament by-election. Officials from the NUP stated that they were repeatedly obstructed by security agencies from accessing venues that had been previously agreed upon for their campaign finale.
According to Mr. Habib Buwembo, the NUP national mobiliser, the party’s initial plan was to hold the rally at Kaala Grounds in Bujjumba Sub-County. However, they were informed that the venue was unavailable, reportedly due to its proximity to a planned rally for the ruling NRM party candidate.
Following discussions with the Electoral Commission (EC), the rally was relocated to Kasekulo Landing Site. Yet, on Sunday, security officials allegedly informed NUP that hosting a rally on the same island as President Museveni, who was campaigning for the NRM’s Aidah Nabayiga, would not be permitted.
Further attempts to secure an alternative location led to an agreement to use Kitobo Landing Site. However, late Sunday night, NUP received word that another candidate was scheduled to campaign in the area, and they were advised not to disrupt that program. This series of setbacks ultimately led to the decision to cancel the rally.
Mr. Buwembo expressed disappointment, noting that the cancellation denied the opportunity for senior party leaders, including the party president, to address the Kalangala voters. Meanwhile, NUP leaders shifted their focus to training party agents for the upcoming polling day. The party’s Electoral Commission management committee chairperson, Mr. John Mary Ssebuufu, expressed confidence in winning the election and urged the EC to remain independent from security and political interference.
The Kalangala by-election was necessitated by the death of the NUP’s former Woman MP, Hellen Nakimuli, in April. Five candidates are contesting the seat. Efforts to get comments from security agencies and the EC were unsuccessful by press time.