Presidential candidate John Patrick Amama Mbabazi is in Kabale district today.
5:30pmRain soaks Mbabazi supporters
At about 4:00pm, all signs were that Mbabazi rally would be disrupted, not by the Police or deputy RDC who had earlier been accused of trying to block people from attending, but by nature; rain.
However, people kept streaming in at Kigezi High School playgrounds. The people were soaked and so was the ground. And when Mbabazi rose to speak, he looked overwhelmed by the way people braved the rain to receive him. And he started: “I wonder why the deputy RDC was blocking you from coming to my rally and I thank you for coming. The police officers have always tried to disrupt my rallies in all the regions of Uganda that I have visited. They have failed, but they still try to disorganize us.”
5:13pm: No venue for rally
Mbabazi team has been told that the Kabale municipality playground where the rally had been scheduled is being used for an agriculture show. The team has quickly made a decision to go to Kigezi High School play ground.
5:04pm: Heavy rain disrupts rally
4:42pm: Mbabazi warns Police
Amama Mbabazi has warned the Police to stop what he called intimidating his supporters. He urged his supporters to take pictures of those harassing them so that an appropriate action can be taken against them.
4:33pm: Mbabazi supporters report that they were being blocked from attending his rally at Kamuganguzi. They say the Kabale deputy RDC Denis Nzeirwe is involved in blocking the people. However, efforts to speak to the RDC have not yielded results as yet.
3:32pm: Mbabazi buys vegetables at Ahabuypnza Market on the way to Kabale. Speaks to vendors.
2:33pm: Mbabazi opens campaign office at Muhanga trading centre, Kabale.
What Locals Say
Aloysius Byamukama asked the locals what they expect from Mbabazi today . . .
David Bakeine, an educationalist: Universal Primary Education and Universal Secondary Education have failed and are producing half-baked students. Mbabazi should tell us how he will reform and put more funding in the programmes.
Robert Rwakana, taxi driver: I want him to address the hiked Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) taxes on people operating taxis. The fuel prices are high and the URA charges are also too high for us.
Godfrey Bandeba: Mbabazi should look at how to work on the roads accessing the national parks and game reserves since they generate revenue. Look at Mugahinga National Park. There are no good roads leading to parks and reserves.
Joanita Bakeinaga, a librarian: The candidate should explain allegations that he was involved in corruption scandals when he was still in government. He should also assure us that he will fight corruption.
Emma Muhwezi, businessman: Youth have talents like sports, music and athletics. We want to know how he will promote such talents.
