(Kisoro) – National Unity Platform (NUP) leader Bobi Wine visited Kisoro District, drawing a large crowd as he campaigned in support of Sultana Salim, the NUP candidate for Kisoro Woman Member of Parliament. This rally was part of NUP’s broader campaign tour, highlighting the party’s calls for political change and addressing issues of poverty and infrastructure in the area.
Wine, also known as Robert Kyagulanyi, shared that the people of Kisoro have faced significant economic and social challenges despite the region’s tourism and agricultural potential. He pointed out that many citizens in Kisoro continue to live in poverty with limited access to quality schools, healthcare, and basic services, noting that these conditions have persisted over decades under President Museveni’s administration.
Wine pledged that his party would work to improve the situation for Kisoro’s people, restoring dignity and addressing their needs. “Their passion and enthusiasm for change is evident,” he said. “We are committed to changing the circumstances of the people of Kisoro and the circumstances of the people of Uganda for the better.”
The rally saw a large turnout, despite the presence of security forces throughout Kisoro. NUP reported that heavy deployments were visible across town, with members of the Special Forces Command (SFC) and ‘Mamba’ armored trucks stationed along various roads. Initially, authorities denied NUP access to their chosen rally venue in Kisoro town, citing security concerns. Consequently, the rally was moved to a more remote area outside the town. However, supporters accompanied Wine and Salim to the new location, demonstrating strong support for the NUP.
During the campaign event, Wine and other NUP leaders urged voters to resist intimidation, encouraging them to support Salim in the upcoming election on Thursday. NUP reminded voters to remain vigilant and ensure their votes are protected against possible manipulation, expressing concerns about “state malpractice.”
| Key Event Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Candidate | Sultana Salim (NUP candidate for Kisoro Woman MP) |
| Key Speaker | Bobi Wine (NUP leader) |
| Venue Issue | Authorities denied access to main town venue; rally moved to a remote location |
| Security Presence | Heavy deployment of SFC forces and Mamba trucks in Kisoro |
| Main Message | Call for political change, economic opportunity, and end to underdevelopment |
Wine also spoke against ethnic and tribal discrimination, emphasizing unity and cooperation among the people of Kisoro and Uganda as a whole. Salim’s campaign underscored her role as a voice for the “majority voiceless,” aiming to bring attention to the urgent need for better service delivery and infrastructure in Kisoro. The NUP’s campaign message emphasized that a vote for Salim represents a step toward addressing systemic issues in the region, ensuring effective governance and development for its residents.
Wine, alongside other NUP representatives, praised the dedication and resilience of Kisoro’s people, many of whom attended the rally despite the intimidation tactics reported by NUP. The campaign concluded with a renewed call for peace, unity, and the importance of free and fair elections, as well as a commitment to a Uganda where citizens’ voices are represented in government.
