By George Bukenya
National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, a.k.a Bobi Wine, has urged his supporters to remain peaceful amid what he described as deliberate provocation by security forces during the campaign rallies.
While address the crowds at Bweyogerere Kakajo Grounds in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District, Kyagulanyi warned his supporters against responding to intimidation or engaging in confrontations with police officers deployed at political gatherings.
“Please don’t exchange bitterly with police provocation,” he warned. “They are provoking you to get angry and throw stones at them so that they can justify shooting at you. They have laboured so much to provoke you, but the only weapons we have are the national flag, cameras, and the truth.” He said
His remarks come against a backdrop of recent clashes between NUP supporters and security personnel, with rights groups and observers noting a rise in tensions as the campaign season gathers momentum in its second month.
Kyagulanyi also stressed that his movement is committed to non-violence, insisting that discipline and peaceful campaign are central to demonstrating the NUP’s commitment to peaceful political change.
“We must show the country and the world that we stand for peace, justice and democratic change,” he cautioned as supporters waved national flags and NUP banners.
The rally drew thousands of enthusiastic attendees, who chanted pro-change slogans throughout the event. As campaigns intensify nationwide, analysts say the tone and conduct of political rallies will remain central to shaping public perception ahead of the polls.’’
However during a press briefing at Naguru Police headquarters the IGP Abbas Byakagaba said that Kyagulanyi and his supporters on some occasions have deliberately refused to adhere to the agreed standing operating procedures thus provoking police to use some force to disperse the crowds.