Joel Ssenyonyi Alleges Travel Blocked to Kalangala for By-election Oversight

Joel Ssenyonyi, the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, has voiced concerns that his travel to Kalangala District was deliberately obstructed on Wednesday. Ssenyonyi stated he intended to oversee electoral activities for the National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate, Irene Nampala, in the Woman Member of Parliament by-election.

According to Ssenyonyi, his journey from Bukakata Landing Site in Masaka District to Kalangala was halted. He reported being aboard a ferry for nearly two hours, which failed to depart as scheduled, citing an alleged instruction preventing its movement until he received “clearance.”

While stranded at the landing site, Ssenyonyi also reported receiving information about concerning activities at polling stations in Kalangala, including alleged ballot stuffing and suspicious vehicle movements.

He further alleged that after boarding a second ferry, it was instructed to turn back mid-journey due to his presence on board. However, the Greater Masaka Regional Police spokesperson, Twaha Kasirye, denied any knowledge of a directive or operation aimed at blocking Ssenyonyi’s travel.

“I am not aware of any such directive stopping him from travelling,” Kasirye stated. The Election Commission had not issued a comment on Ssenyonyi’s allegations or the election conduct at the time of reporting. The by-election was held following the death of the previous legislator, Hellen Nakimuli.

This report is based on information from Nile Post.