AGENCY
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has acknowledged that the chaos that unfolded in Gulu City during the visit of National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu was “regrettable,” but maintains that the incident resulted from what they described as the candidate’s defiance of an agreed campaign route.
Speaking to Mega FM on Monday, the Fourth Infantry Division Commander, Maj Gen Felix Busizoori, said security agencies had earlier agreed on a specific route Kyagulanyi was expected to use during his campaign in Gulu City.
Gen Busizoori noted that Kyagulanyi was meant to enter the city through Airfield Road, proceed via Kaunda Grounds, and continue to Awere Playground in Bardege-Layibi Division, where his rally had been scheduled.
Instead, he said, the candidate insisted on passing through the city centre.
Although acknowledging that the violent scenes were unfortunate, Gen Busizoori said security forces acted within their mandate to maintain order and ensure peace.
The Electoral Commission Chairperson, Justice Simon Byabakama, in a press statement on Sunday evening, condemned what he described as a violent confrontation against the presidential candidate in Gulu City.
A section of religious leaders in the Acholi Sub-region also condemned the attack on the presidential candidate and called for a levelled ground for all contenders in the presidential race.
