The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Ministry of Defence has rejected the request by National Unity Platform-NUP for its fourth-anniversary celebrations at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
NUP wrote to the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs last week requesting permission to hold their commemorative event at Kololo independence grounds. The biggest opposition party said it expected a huge crowd for the event to be held on 22, July.
The party’s General Secretary, David Lewis Rubongonya said they had chosen Kololo as a public ground and that is has been regularly used by their counterpart NRM, music concerts, and other events.
However, the Ministry through its Permanent Secretary, Sam Kallu decline to grant the permission. He said 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 Uganda Radio Network-URN, the NUP Spokesperson, Joel Ssenyonyi said his party expected the same response. He accused the Defence Ministry of being biased against NUP.
‘This shows nothing but cowardice from this NRM regime, we knew from the start that they wouldn’t allow us to use Kololo, but we said let us try and see. We are Ugandans with every right to use Kololo like any other citizens who organize 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 daily effectively. We shall be communicating other plans for our celebrations in due course.” Ssenyonyi noted.
However URN this week witnessed some developments at the ground including putting up a metallic pillar for the fence. Two structures appearing like permanent toilets are being erected a few meters away from Professor Yusuf Kironde Lule’s grave at the grounds.
The NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi, Ssentamu alias Bobi-Wine, via his social media platforms, condemned the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs. He said it had been unfair in terms of granting permission to use Kololo Ceremonial Grounds.
“This ground has been hosting different events, including a recent event to recognize 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 was given a new look in 2012, has a more than 5000-seater pavilion but with an open ground that cannot host an estimated more than 150,000 people.
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