The Ministry of Defence has declined the National Unity Platform (NUP) permission to hold their fourth anniversary celebration at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. The main opposition party, founded on July 22, 2020, had planned a grand celebration next week.
NUP General Secretary Lewis Rubongoya sent a letter on July 9 to Sam Kallu, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs, requesting the historic grounds for the event. Highlighting the significance of the location and the expected large turnout, Rubongoya detailed plans for a celebration from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
However, in a letter dated July 16, Kallu informed NUP that Kololo would be unavailable due to ongoing infrastructural rehabilitations. He suggested that NUP find an alternative venue. Kallu’s letter stated,
“Due to the ongoing infrastructural development at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, we regret to inform you that the grounds will not be available for your event.”
NUP spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi was quick to respond, accusing the Defence Ministry of double standards. He pointed out that Kololo Grounds have hosted various events recently. “Kololo Ceremonial Grounds is always used for various events including recently, but when NUP asked to use the same venue for our 4th anniversary on Monday, July 22, they are talking about ongoing infrastructural works at the place,” Ssenyonyi said on X.
NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, also took to social media to criticize the decision. He suggested that the grounds are reserved for those aligned with President Museveni’s regime. Kyagulanyi posted on X, “This public ground is only available for use by everyone who worships Gen. Museveni and his regime.”
