KAMPALA– The Ministry of Defence has rejected the request of the National Unity Platform-NUP requesting to hold their four year anniversary celebrations at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
Last week, NUP wrote to the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, requesting permission to hold their commemorative event at Kololo independence grounds, citing the expectation of huge crowds on 22nd July.
The NUP General Secretary, David Lewis Rubongonya, said they had chosen Kololo as a public ground and regularly used by their counterpart NRM, music concerts and other events.
However, in response letter today, the Ministry through its Permanent Secretary Sam Kallu, NUP has been told that apparently there is an infrastructural development undergoing at Kololo, making it impossible for their request.
“We acknowledge receipt of your letter ref: NUP/ADM/061/2024 dated 09th July, 2024 requesting to use Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. However Due to the ongoing infrastructural development, we regret to inform you that the grounds will not be available for your event.” The letter reads.
Speaking to this publication, the NUP Spokesperson, Joel Ssenyonyi, has said that they expected the same response from the Defence ministry because of bias against NUP by the regime.
‘This shows nothing but cowardice from this NRM regime, we knew from the start that they wouldn’t allow us using Kololo, but we said let us try and see. We are Ugandans with every right to use Kololo like any other citizens who organise their events there.” Ssenyonyi said.
He added: The excuse of infrastructural development going on is not true. Other state functions, and music concerts, are being held there on a daily basis effectively. We shall be communicating other plans for our celebrations in due course.” Ssenyonyi noted.
The NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi, Ssentamu alias Bobi-Wine, via his social media platforms has condemned the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs for being unfair in granting permission on who to use Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
This ground has been hosting different events, including a recent event to recognise 40 years of NRM. Different individuals and other organizations continue to hold concerts and other events there. Effectively, this public ground is only available for use by everyone who worships Gen. Museveni and his regime. Kyagulanyi posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Kololo Grounds, which were given a new look in 2012, have a more than 5000-seater pavilion but with an open ground which cannot host an estimated more than 150,000 people.
