The Ministry of Defence has denied the National Unity Platform (NUP), the main opposition party, permission to hold its fourth anniversary celebration at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. NUP, founded on July 22, 2020, had planned to mark its anniversary next week.
On July 9, NUP General Secretary Lewis Rubongoya wrote to Sam Kallu, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs, requesting permission to use Kololo for the event. Rubongoya cited the historical significance of the grounds and the large anticipated turnout in his letter.
Rubongoya stated that the celebration was planned to run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. However, in a letter dated July 16, Kallu informed NUP that the grounds would not be available due to ongoing infrastructural rehabilitations, advising NUP to find an alternative venue.
Kallu’s letter read: “Due to the ongoing infrastructural development at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, we regret to inform you that the grounds will not be available for your event.”
In response, NUP spokesperson Joel Ssenyonyi accused the Defence Ministry of double standards, pointing out that the grounds are frequently available for other events but not for NUP’s celebration. “Kololo Ceremonial Grounds is always used for various events including recently, but when NUP asked to use the same venue for our 4th anniversary on Monday, July 22, they are talking about ongoing infrastructural works at the place,” Ssenyonyi said on X.
NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, criticized the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs on social media for what he perceived as unfairness in granting access to Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. He noted that the grounds have hosted numerous events, including a recent celebration of 40 years of the NRM, suggesting that the venue is reserved for those aligned with Gen. Museveni and his regime. Kyagulanyi posted on X (formerly Twitter): “This public ground is only available for use by everyone who worships Gen. Museveni and his regime.”
Kololo Grounds, renovated in 2012, features a pavilion with more than 5,000 seats and an open area that can accommodate up to 150,000 people.
