Kyagulanyi accuses Police of repeatedly seizing NUP public-address systems
“We have a sound system that is still stuck in Bibia. We have another stuck in Nagalama Police—they arrested it,” Kyagulanyi said.
National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (3rd left) addressing journalist ahead of his planned campaigns in the districts of Nwoya and Amuru and Elegu town on December 5, 2025. (Photos by Ponsaino Nsimbi)
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National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu has protested what he described as a systematic campaign by Police to cripple his presidential bid by repeatedly confiscating his party’s public-address (PA) systems.
Speaking ahead of his planned campaigns in the districts of Nwoya and Amuru and Elegu town on December 5, 2025, Kyagulanyi said security agencies have turned PA equipment into a new tool of repression by seizing speakers, mixers and amplifiers every time his team attempts to hold a rally.
“We have a sound system that is still stuck in Bibia. We have another stuck in Nagalama Police—they arrested it,” Kyagulanyi said. “And now they’ve even arrested another sound system. Good enough, we’ve got another, and we are proceeding.”
Kyagulanyi said the repeated confiscations are intended to frustrate NUP activities and limit his ability to communicate with voters.
“This is the strategy—they block us, they silence us, they suppress our message,” he said. “But we shall continue replacing whatever they take, because we must speak to the people.”
He added that the seizures violate electoral fairness and amount to deliberate obstruction of a lawful campaign.
“I am a presidential candidate. We have candidates in these areas, and we are supposed to campaign there,” he said. “It is not illegal for a candidate to address the public. We are not breaking any law.”
Kyagulanyi noted that despite the logistical setbacks, his team would proceed with their rallies using replacement equipment.
“To the people of Nwoya, we are coming. To the people of Elegu, we are coming,” he said.
“Please don’t be intimidated. You are Ugandans, and listening to a message from a candidate is not a crime.”
He further accused Resident District Commissioners and ruling party officials of using security organs to intimidate residents into avoiding opposition rallies.
“They deploy the military and threaten people that if they come to listen to our message, they will harm them,” he said. “But we shall reach you, by the grace of God, and we shall talk to you.”
Police account
By press time, New Vision Online had not yet obtained a response from the Police regarding the latest allegations by the NUP leader.
However, on Monday, while addressing journalists at the Uganda Police Headquarters in Naguru, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abas Byakagaba responded to concerns raised by Kyagulanyi, acknowledging recent incidents involving arrests of NUP supporters, the use of tear gas, and blockades affecting his campaign trail.
Byakagaba said the clashes between NUP supporters and security personnel stem from what he termed deliberate attempts by some political actors to provoke confrontations, violate campaign regulations, and disrupt peace during the election period.
He presented video clips compiled by Police cyber experts, which he said showed acts of provocation and disorder involving NUP supporters in several districts.
One clip from Mbarara showed a supporter shoving a female traffic officer, while another captured Kyagulanyi jumping out of a vehicle through an open sunroof to intervene in the arrest of rowdy supporters who allegedly attacked Police officers at Nkaatu Trading Centre in Iganga district.
Additional footage showed injured Police officers, which Byakagaba said demonstrates the risks facing security personnel while enforcing law and order during campaigns.
He added that the incidents in the districts of Kayunga and Iganga were not isolated, citing intelligence and field reports of similar behaviour in Lira and other districts. These included unauthorised processions, stone-throwing, destruction of campaign posters, harassment of security personnel, and violations of campaign timelines.
“Some actors have deliberately refused to comply with campaign guidelines, and these actions are intended to provoke security officers into confrontation,” Byakagaba said, adding that the Police have exercised restraint despite the provocations.
Kyagulanyi, however, disputed that account, accusing security forces of repeatedly beating his supporters even when they gather peacefully to welcome him.
“The Police do not want people to welcome us joyfully,” he said, alleging that officers on Monday temporarily closed Kasangatti Market and assaulted residents.
“They did not want people to welcome us, but we insist we will go to every corner of this country to spread our message of a new Uganda,” he added.