The government has rejected a request by the National Unity Platform (NUP) to use Kololo Ceremonial Grounds for a presidential campaign rally early next year, saying the venue is already fully booked until at least April 2026.
In a letter dated December 8, 2025, the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs informed NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya that the party’s planned rally scheduled for January 10, 2026, cannot be accommodated.
The letter, signed by Sam Kallu on behalf of the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, states that NUP’s request came too late as Kololo has prior bookings on the ministry’s calendar.
“Reference is made to your letter dated October 27th, 2025, requesting to use Kololo Ceremonial Grounds to hold our Presidential Campaign Rally on the 10th day of January, 2026,” the letter reads in part.
“However, we regret to inform you that your request came a bit late. The grounds are already booked up to March/April 2026,” it adds.
The ministry advised NUP to look for another venue for the rally.
“You are therefore advised to seek an alternative venue,” the letter concludes.
The communication was copied to several senior defence officials, including the Under Secretary for Finance and Administration, the Commander of the Special Forces, and the UPDF Resident Engineer in charge of Kololo, indicating the decision was formally cleared within the defence establishment.
NUP had submitted its request on October 27, 2025, as part of preparations for its presidential campaign ahead of the 2026 general elections.
This is not the first time the opposition party has been denied access to Kololo. In July 2024, the Ministry of Defence also blocked NUP from using the same venue for its fourth anniversary celebrations, citing ongoing rehabilitation works. That decision was also communicated in a letter signed by Sam Kallu.
Following the 2024 rejection, NUP leaders accused the government of double standards, arguing that Kololo continued to host other public and state events while their requests were turned down.
Kololo Ceremonial Grounds is a key national venue in Kampala, commonly used for state functions, national celebrations, and major political events. Its use has often been a sensitive issue between opposition parties and the government.
By press time, NUP had not yet issued an official response to the latest rejection or announced an alternative venue for the planned rally.
As the 2026 elections draw closer, political activity is expected to intensify, with parties gearing up for a heated campaign season.
