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The National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, failed to hold planned campaign rallies in Moroto and Napak districts Tuesday in the Karamoja sub-region following disruptions by security-related challenges.
Kyagulanyi only managed to campaign in Amudat district, despite plans to address a rally and commission party offices in Moroto, before proceeding to Napak for another rally. According to NUP officials, the disruptions began when security forces changed the Moroto rally venue at the last minute, relocating it to Nadunget Town Council, about 10 kilometres from Moroto Municipality.
Kyagulanyi was also blocked from using a shorter route from Amudat to Moroto and instead directed to take the longer Moroto–Nakapiripirit road. The delays and diversions, coupled with time constraints, forced Kyagulanyi to cancel the Moroto and Napak engagements and return to Kampala.
Ernest Ayen, the NUP coordinator for the Karamoja sub-region, said the party had fully mobilised supporters for the Moroto rally but was frustrated by security decisions. Ayen said the venue was changed after security claimed the original location had already been booked by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). He added that road blockades further restricted the candidate’s movement, limiting his campaign to Amudat only.
He noted that Kyagulanyi is taking a short break today and is expected to resume campaigns in Western Uganda. Ayen described the developments as unfortunate, saying residents were denied the opportunity to listen to their presidential candidate and make informed choices ahead of the general elections. He urged the people of Karamoja to remain calm and support Kyagulanyi for regional development.
Meanwhile, supporters in Moroto expressed disappointment over Kyagulanyi’s failure to attend the rally. James Loru, a supporter, said they had been attending rallies of other presidential candidates and wanted to hear Kyagulanyi’s manifesto to enable them compare and decide.Loru said he anticipated possible disruptions, which he attributed to what he described as “orders from above” aimed at blocking Kyagulanyi from campaigning in the region.
He added that denying them access to Kyagulanyi’s message raised suspicion that the ruling party feared what he might reveal.Karim Ngobi, another supporter, said he was eager to hear Kyagulanyi’s plans for education, health, and road infrastructure, noting that Karamoja has suffered from poor services for decades.
Ngobi accused security forces of criminalising support for Kyagulanyi, alleging that supporters wearing NUP party colours were being arrested. He also criticised what he termed the monetisation of politics, saying voters were often enticed with alcohol instead of meaningful development programs.
Sharif Dizo, a resident of Campshwili, said he remains unconvinced by the manifestos of other presidential candidates and wanted Kyagulanyi to clearly outline his plans for Karamoja.Dizo said campaigns in the region are often reduced to chants without substance, yet the area continues to grapple with poverty, illiteracy, insecurity, and hunger, despite consistently voting for the ruling party.He said Kyagulanyi’s failure to address the people denied them a chance to assess alternative leadership options.
Despite the setbacks, NUP regional leaders say they have deployed party foot soldiers across Karamoja to continue vote mobilisation for Robert Kyagulanyi, ahead of January 15, 2026.