NRM mobilisers bar boda bodas from Mbabazi's rally
What you need to know:
More than 300 riders were locked up and told they would only be released after the opposition Go Forward candidate finished addressing his rally.
Ms Jolly Mugisha, one of the Go Forward mobilisers in Mbarara, said the Electoral Commission was aware of what was going on.
MBARARA, Monday
They had started hooting and riding around town in excited anticipation of getting free fuel and probably money to escort Amama Mbabazi’s convoy across town.
That is exactly what boda bodas do during political rallies.
However, as fate would have it, one by one, the cyclists were approached by team of ruling NRM mobilisers who promised them Shs40,000 and fuel on condition that they pick the money at an entertainment joint in Nyamitanga, three kilometres from Mbarara Town.
On reaching there, the more than 300 riders were locked up and told they would only be released after the opposition Go Forward candidate finished addressing his rally.
Private security guards manned the gate with instructions not to let anybody near.
This went on from 11am to 7pm when Mbabazi’s rally at Booma Grounds was over.
ELECTORAL MALPRACTICES
Some riders hoped to get the money and a meal. In the end, they went home empty handed. Many cursed and vowed never to vote for NRM.
“It is now 5pm yet we haven’t seen the money or food,” Wilber Byamugisha, one rider told journalists.
Some unknown people had earlier in the night defaced or pulled down Mbabazi’s posters.
Ms Jolly Mugisha, one of the Go Forward mobilisers in Mbarara, said the Electoral Commission was aware of what was going on.
The boda boda incident however, did not dampen the mood at the rally, where the organising committee led by former Mbarara District Council Speaker Dominic Katusiime Kashaaki, gave the opposition leader a drum, a stool and a steering; items that residents say signify power.
During the rally, the former prime minister said his government would be action-oriented.
“I have heard that boda bodas have been paid and more than 300 have been locked up at Nyamitanga Resort. I also know that last night, they tore our posters,” he said.
The boda boda incident was one of the many that NRM mobilisers have carried out during Mr Mbabazi’s tour of the western region, with the most prominent one being sending NRM branded vehicles to drive through his rallies.
The one time President Yoweri Museveni ally said he would campaign in every constituency.
He promised to fight corruption and ensure pensioners got their money without bribing anybody.
