Following the recent suspension of election observers of the Citizens’ Coalition on Electoral Democracy in Uganda (CCEDU) by the Uganda Electoral Commission, citizens countrywide have taken it upon themselves to become independent observers becoming more vigilant and appreciating the relevance of People Power during elections, to enhance Democracy.
On Wednesday 24th July, 2018, Hon.Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi Wine posted on Twitter about his arrival in Bugiri at 8:47pm saying, “Don’t ask how I got here but I am here! See you at tomorrow’s rally at the Bugiri Park.”
However, in the silence of the night, security operatives plotted to arrest Kyadondo East Member of Parliament Hon. Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, who doubles as the key Campaigner for Mr. Asuman Basalirwa’s Parliamentary campaign and other colleagues who were residing at the Planet Hotel, Bugiri before the final rally which was set for today, Thursday 25th July, 2018.
In the wee hours of the morning (at 3:30am), Planet Hotel was indeed raided, residents forced to open their rooms, and an unknown number of arrests of members from the Basalirwa Camp were made and at the same time, Mr. Basalirwa’s home was also put under police siege. The military also took over the rally venue on claims of orders from above, that the President would also be at the said grounds for another campaign.
Unfortunately for them, the police search was in vain, when they finally broke into the room where Bobi Wine was residing and only found a well-made bed. The self proclaimed ghetto president had vanished. It was the same case during the recent protest against social media and mobile money taxes. Bobi Wine who was the ring leader disappeared in thin air only to be seen at Parliament a few minutes later after the police had attempted to arrest him.
This police raid comes a few days after Ramathan Walyendo, a member of Mr. Basalirwa’s security detail succumbed to gunshot wounds that he sustained last Thursday during a campaign rally.
The other candidates in the race for MP Bugiri Municipality elections are John Francis Oketcho (NRM), Eunice Namatende (FDC) ,former Bugiri District LCV Chairman , Hajji Siraji Lyavala Samanya (Independent) and Joel Wamono (Independent).