Opposition Rally Blocked in Entebbe as Venue Permissions Revoked Under Pressure
ENTEBBE, UGANDA – The National Unity Platform (NUP) finds its campaign plans for Entebbe Municipality in disarray after two separate venues revoked permissions for a presidential rally scheduled for December 23, 2025, citing internal errors and external pressure.
The situation has sparked accusations from NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, who alleges a coordinated effort by the state to sabotage his party’s campaign.
Last-Minute Cancellations
The first revocation came from Tanda Play Ground in Kitubulu. In a letter dated December 20, 2025, the manager, Mr. Yusuf Sullaman Chippo, informed Hon. Nabatta Namuli Joyce, the NUP MP for Entebbe Municipality, that an earlier decision to grant use of the playground had been revoked by a committee. The committee cited ongoing court encumbrances and stated that a political rally would “interfere with the interests of the community and court.”
Simultaneously, a second letter from the Entebbe Muslim District office revoked permission for the use of the Entebbe Muslim Grounds. County Sheikh Twesigye Rajab stated that his initial acceptance letter dated December 19 was signed “erroneously” without following the proper council protocols and without communication to the District leadership. The booking was consequently cancelled.
Allegations of Intimidation
A separate document, a letter from the “NRM Katabi Town Council Association” dated December 6, 2025, appears to show direct political pressure being applied on the Tanda Play Ground management. The letter, signed by a local NRM task force head, expresses “great dismay” at the permission granted to NUP. It warns that the land is under a presidential pledge for payment and is “strictly for sports [and] government programs not opposition politics.” It further cautions that allowing the rally would sabotage government payment programs and that management would “face serious consequences.” The letter was copied to multiple regional security and administrative officials.
Opposition Cries Foul
Responding to the developments, Bobi Wine took to social media to condemn the actions. “The criminal regime is doing everything to block us from campaigning in Entebbe Municipality tomorrow!” he posted. He detailed a series of alleged obstructions, including claims of visiting heads of state and attempts to redirect the rally. “And now? They have gone as far as intimidating venue owners and forcing them to withdraw permissions even after setting up the stage and machines!” he stated.
He affirmed that his team is seeking alternative venues, stressing that “it is our constitutional right to campaign in every constituency in Uganda.”
Broader Implications
The incident highlights the heightened tensions surrounding campaign logistics in the lead-up to the elections. The NUP alleges a pattern of administrative and security-led obstruction to their activities, while the revocations from venue owners cite legal and procedural reasons. The leaked NRM association letter, however, provides a tangible piece of evidence that appears to support the opposition’s claims of political intimidation targeting private and community venue owners.
As of now, it remains unclear if the NUP will secure a new venue for its planned Entebbe Municipality rally.
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