“PM Ruhakana Rugunda and first NRM National V/Chairman Moses Kigongo arrive at Kololo to meet a group of youth claiming to be NUP supporters. The organizers of the meeting claim it is about ensuring a peaceful election” (NTV Uganda, 10.01.2021).
It is just a mere week ago when the Electoral Commission suspended all campaign rallies and election activities in Kampala. That was done for all parties and all candidates to stop the spread. However, what happened in Kololo today clearly violated that.
As this was the report earlier in the month:
“EC to consult scientists over 14 districts campaign ban The EC suspended campaigns in Kampala, Mukono, Buikwe, Wakiso, Mbarara, Kabarole, Luwero, Kasese, Masaka, Jinja, Kalungu, Kazo and Tororo” (New Vision, 06.01.2021).
That Prime Minister Rugunda and NRM Vice Chariman Kigongo could hold this sort of meeting/rally is a clear violation of the guidelines and the suspended elections. This shows a double standard. As we know the arrests, the brutality and tear-gas, which would have followed the opposition candidates doing the same.
If Bobi Wine or Patrick Amuriat Oboi even considered this. They would be in shackles and chains. The cars would be towed and they would be detained. These folks would be targeted and the venue blocked. There would be met with force and there would be no mercy from the authorities. That is what the grand public knows and everyone who has followed this election.
However, even when the EC have banned campaigns in Kampala. The Prime Minister and NRM National Vice Chairman Kigongo held a campaign meeting in Kololo. That is an deliberate act. As it showed a supposed group of youth crossing over from National Unity Platform to the NRM. That is an act of campaign. To show force and strength.
Nevertheless, it shows there is a vast difference between the ruling regime and the opposition. The ruling regime can disregard all practices and laws. They can convene and hold meetings. Even when the state says its suspended. That all in proof of hubris and strength. However, it just shows how hallow the chambers of power is. As they have to breach laws and guidelines, which would be used with law enforcement against their adversaries. These folks wouldn’t even been able to gather anyone without some sort of havoc.
Alas, the Prime Minister shows his entitlement. That there are people who are above the laws and rules of the game. There are no level playing field. No fair campaigning and fair elections. Neither are they free, as there are only hurdles on the way for the opposition. Nothing is given, things are only taken away.
The PM and Kigongo have shown their cards today. They believe it righteous. This was a campaign meeting, a campaign rally. All for the scope of showing greatness. As it was a “victory” to get people crossing over to the NRM. That is a political ploy. However, we have not seen anyone giving away their member-cards. So, we can imagine that these folks might not even be NUP Members before becoming NRM members today. Don’t be shocked if that is true. Peace.