Kyagulanyi Defies Militarized Crackdown to Hold Rally in Gulu City

By Staff Reporter
GULU CITY, Uganda | December 6, 2025

National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu on Friday pushed through a heavily militarised atmosphere to address supporters at Pece Stadium in Gulu City, despite repeated attempts by security forces to block his campaign rally.

Large deployments of UPDF soldiers, military police, and anti-riot units were visible across the city from early morning, creating an atmosphere of tension as supporters gathered for the rally. Armoured personnel carriers, patrol trucks, and makeshift roadblocks dotted major routes leading into Gulu.

Supporters Injured in Clashes

Clashes erupted at several points along the Gulu–Kampala highway when security forces attempted to break up crowds trailing the NUP convoy. Witnesses reported the use of tear gas and rubber bullets, forcing dozens to scatter into nearby trading centres.

Several supporters sustained injuries and were taken to Gulu Regional Referral Hospital, where medical staff confirmed receiving multiple victims suffering from bruises, fractures, and tear gas inhalation.

“They beat us like criminals simply because we support change,”
said Patrick Ocen, one of the injured supporters from Bardege-Layibi Division.

Local residents accused security forces of escalating the situation, saying the crackdown was unnecessary and politically motivated.

Kyagulanyi Condemns “State Fear”

Kyagulanyi arrived at Pece Stadium at around 4:30 p.m., greeted by cheering crowds that had waited for hours under the watchful eye of security personnel. Shortly after taking the stage, the NUP leader condemned the earlier violence.

“This is the level of fear they have towards the people. But no amount of bullets or tear gas will silence our struggle,”
Kyagulanyi told supporters during his address.

He vowed to continue with his nationwide campaign program, insisting that no amount of intimidation would deter the movement for political change.

Rights Groups Raise Alarm

Human rights organisations have criticised the recurring clashes between security forces and opposition supporters, describing Friday’s events as part of a broader pattern of repression ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Dr. Sarah Akello, a human rights advocate in Northern Uganda, expressed concern after visiting victims at the hospital.

“Every incident like this pushes Uganda further away from democratic norms,”
she said.

Civil society groups warned that sustained militarisation of the electoral process could undermine the credibility of next year’s polls.

Residents Praise Candidate’s Resolve

Despite the heavy deployment and clashes, many Gulu residents praised Kyagulanyi for pushing through and addressing the rally.

“He came even when they wanted to stop him. That shows he cares,” said Grace Lamwaka, a market vendor who attended the event.

The rally ended shortly after 6:00 p.m., with NUP officials urging supporters to disperse peacefully. Security presence remained strong across the city into the evening.