The National Unity Platform (NUP) has wrapped up its first week of presidential campaigns with massive rallies across the Busoga subregion, where party president H.E. Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Robert, also known as Bobi Wine, received a warm reception from supporters despite repeated diversions and blockades.
In Buyende, Kamuli, and Kaliro districts, the campaign team was forced off main roads onto feeder routes, but NUP leaders said this turned into an opportunity to engage directly with rural communities.
“They did all they could to block us from passing through town centres, but little did they know that the rural audience is our real target,” the party said in a statement.
According to the Uganda Police Force, the musician-turned-politician was stopped by police in Iganga after his team reportedly failed to follow the agreed-upon route for a political rally.
“We wish to clarify that they were scheduled to hold rallies in both Mayuge and Iganga districts. The rally in Mayuge was successfully held. On their way to Iganga, Candidate Sentamu and his group were advised to follow the agreed-upon route to Iganga Municipality and specifically to Namungale Grounds. However, they opted to take an alternative route where they encountered our cutoffs,” police said in a statement.
At Bulumba village in Kaliro District, Bobi Wine and his entourage opened a new party office to coordinate activities in the area, while urging residents to remain steadfast in the call for change.
Supporters turned out in large numbers to listen to the NUP’s message of economic empowerment, better infrastructure, and equal opportunities.
Addressing a mammoth rally in Mayuge District, Bobi Wine pledged to industrialise Busoga so that sugarcane is exported as a finished product rather than raw material.
“I also promise to introduce school feeding programs to reduce dropout rates, not just in Busoga but across the entire country,” he declared to thunderous applause. “The New Uganda will make what the regime says is impossible possible.”
The campaign trail later reached Bugweri and Namutumba districts, where the NUP presidential candidate reiterated his promise of a new beginning for Uganda—”one where rights are respected, leaders serve as servants rather than bosses, and citizens directly benefit from economic opportunities.”
Meanwhile, NUP Deputy President for Buganda Hon. Muwanga Kivumbi and Leader of Opposition Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi met with party flagbearers in the central region to harmonise strategy and strengthen unity.
Speaking to them via phone, Bobi Wine called for reconciliation and collective effort. “Victory can only come when we unite as one,” he said.
The NUP campaign team closed the week with rallies in Namayingo and Bugiri, thanking Busoga residents for their overwhelming support.
“That’s the spirit of the revolution,” the party declared, noting that the momentum across Busoga was a clear sign that Ugandans are ready for change.
