Tension is rising in Masaka City following a sharp disagreement between security officials and the National Unity Platform (NUP) leadership. The Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Ahmed Washaki, has vowed to arrest NUP president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, if he goes ahead with the party’s planned rally at the Masaka Recreation Ground on November 29.
According to Washaki, the city’s Recreation Ground cannot host such a large political gathering because it is located near sensitive government facilities, including the main hospital and the presidential lodge. He argued that holding a rally in that area would pose a threat to public safety and national security.
“It is not allowed to hold mass political rallies in the middle of the city. We must protect the peace and security of our people,” Washaki stated firmly.
He warned that security forces would arrest Kyagulanyi if he attempted to defy the directive and proceed with the rally. “If they insist on coming here, their leader will be apprehended. We shall not allow anyone to disturb peace in Masaka,” he said.
However, Masaka City Mayor and NUP district chairperson Florence Namayanja insisted that the party had legally obtained permission to use the Recreation Ground. She emphasized that the venue is public property and has previously hosted rallies for other political groups, including the ruling NRM and the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU).
“This ground has been used by several parties before. There is no reason why NUP should be treated differently,” Namayanja argued.
Despite the standoff, authorities have suggested three alternative venues outside the city center: Kitovu Arena (about 6 kilometers from Masaka), Kiyumba Playground (16 kilometers away), and Kabonera Grounds along the Masaka–Mutukula highway.
The dispute highlights the growing tension between government officials and the opposition as NUP continues to demand fair access to public spaces for political activities.
The Masaka Recreation Ground has long been a symbol of open political engagement, previously welcoming rallies from both government and opposition figures. Whether the NUP rally will proceed as planned now depends on whether both sides can reach an agreement before the scheduled date.