The National Unity Platform presidential candidate, Robert Kyagulanyi, has urged residents of Ankole, particularly in Mbarara district, to vote for change with confidence in the upcoming general election, saying Ugandans should not allow intimidation to deny them their democratic right.
Kyagulanyi arrived in Rubindi, Mbarara district, at about 4pm on Thursday in the company of his wife, where he was welcomed by supporters chanting party slogans.
Addressing the gathering, he commended residents for defying fear to attend the rally, noting that many had anticipated disruptions such as teargas or arrests.
"I know many of you were afraid to come for this rally because you expected teargas or even arrests, but you braved and came. I thank you," Kyagulanyi said.
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He told supporters that his final campaign engagements in Ankole were intended to restore confidence among voters ahead of polling day, urging them to exercise their right without fear.
"My main aim for coming here was to strengthen you to come out and vote confidently next week so that you vote for change. Do not allow anyone to intimidate you because for a long time you have been told that when you change leadership you will suffer. That is a lie," Kyagulanyi said.
Kyagulanyi added that Ugandans deserved a country where all citizens are treated equally, arguing that change in leadership would enable people to freely make choices about their future.
The National Unity Platform regional coordinator for Ankole sub-region, Bright Muhumuza, used the rally to allege that there were plans by ruling party officials to weaken NUP support in Mbarara District.
"There is the NRM chairman for Mbarara district, Prosper, who is saying that he will ensure they steal the election, beginning with bribing our supporters with meat. About 17 cows have been slaughtered to give meat to our supporters so that they don't come for our rally," Muhumuza claimed.
NUP national treasurer Benjamin Katana also addressed the rally, urging residents to prioritise voting early and linking the call for change to what he described as declining public service delivery.
"Your relationship with the government is service delivery. This has been crippled, and that means you no longer matter to them. Go and vote for change. Tick the umbrella, vote for Kyagulanyi. He has solutions to the many problems Uganda is facing," Katana said.
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During the rally, Kyagulanyi also welcomed a group of supporters who reportedly defected from the National Resistance Movement to the National Unity Platform, describing their decision as a sign of growing demand for political change.
However, the Mbarara district NRM chairperson, Prosper Tuhaise Kururagire, dismissed the allegations made by NUP officials, denying any involvement in plans to rig elections or interfere with NUP activities.
"In most cases, whether Kyagulanyi is coming or not, Mbarara district is yellow. The allegations that I have frustrated their support are baseless," Tuhaise said.
He further rejected suggestions that there would be violence linked to the election in the district.
"We don't expect chaos. If they try chaos, security will deal with them. We have heard some NUP supporters and leaders saying that there will be chaos, but there will be no chaos. For us in NRM, we don't expect chaos because we are winning. Why would we cause chaos?" Tuhaise added.
The competing claims underscore heightened political tension as candidates make final appeals to voters ahead of polling day, with both sides calling on supporters to remain calm while asserting confidence in their respective chances.
