It was chaos as tear gas and bullets rocked Kitgum town Wednesday as police blocked the National Unity Platform (NUP) Presidential flag bearer Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi wine from accessing campaign grounds.
Kyagulanyi was scheduled to hold his rally at Christ the King Church playground, Pandwong Division in Kitgum Municipality, but the advance team led by Mr. Allan Ssewanyana was barred from accessing the venue by Rev. Fr. Raphael Steven Kilama, the second curette of Christ the King church.
Fr. Kilama said he had been cautioned by security forces that the grounds would not be safe for COVID-19 and went ahead to demand for formal clearance issued by security officers to hold their rally at the church premises.
He later called the Resident District Commissioner for Kitgum municipality, Mr. William Komakech who said the venue had not been given to the NUP party to hold a rally.
After their dismissal, the NUP team proceeded to Acaki Lodge in Alango West cell in Panbwong division where they were also blocked by police officers from accessing the hotel premises.
Mr. Kyagulanyi opted to wave to his supporters through the roof of his car which attracted crowds and blocked traffic.
Police made failed attempts to block his convoy from proceeding to the town center but was overwhelmed by the huge numbers of NUP supporters and they stood there watching as Bobi delivered his speech in the middle of the road.
“We are in a mission to freedom. It is a new generation and a new revolution. We want to change the police, we want better education, the police deserve better and we don’t want our women to die while giving birth to our young ones,” Kyagulanyi told the crowds.
Police later escorted Kyagulanyi out of the town before teargassing the mammoth crowds that had accompanied him at the corner Alango Pandwong division.
Kyagulanyi then proceeded to head to Pader district to continue his day’s rallies at the main bus park.
