The National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate on Monday faced a series of tense standoffs with security forces in the Tooro sub-region after repeatedly diverting from campaign routes earlier agreed upon between his team and coordinators of the Electoral Commission’s campaign program.
Ahead of the visit, NUP coordinators and security officials held planning meetings to harmonize movement routes and campaign venues. In the final briefing held on Sunday, both sides agreed that the candidate would access the region through the Kihura–Rwanwanja–Kahunge road and exit via Harubaho in Fort Portal, especially since the NRM candidate was scheduled to campaign in Kyenjojo on the same day.
According to police, on arrival in Tooro today, the candidate disregarded the agreed entry route, resulting in a one-and-a-half-hour standoff with security personnel at Kihura Trading Centre.
When he eventually proceeded towards Harubaho, he again attempted to divert into Fort Portal town, another deviation from the agreed plan, triggering a further 30-minute confrontation with security before he continued to Bunyangabu, where he addressed supporters at Busiita Playground.
His next scheduled rally was in Harugongo, Kabarole District. But upon reaching Ibonde, the candidate again veered toward Fort Portal’s central business district.
Security intervened at approximately 3:30pm, leading to a prolonged standoff that lasted until 7 p.m., when he was finally escorted to the location designated for his overnight stay.
Police later issued a statement reaffirming that it would not allow any presidential candidate to breach agreed arrangements or attempt to present themselves as victims by holding campaign activities in undesignated places, including roadside gatherings, trading centres, or venues not approved for campaign events.
