An intelligence report indicates that the National Unity Platform (NUP) leader, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, alias Bobi Wine, is moving around with goons hired from Kampala.
These goons are paid Shs 10,000 per day and given accommodation and food to paint the picture that the singer-turned-politician has a following across the cities he is traversing.
A source in the intelligence circle says that the 2021 presidential poll loser prefers to host his rallies in small gardens as opposed to open grounds.
‘That’s why you see that they are parading street photos. They don’t have supporters to fill up an open venue. On the streets, you have people going about their businesses who are also captured as supporters. Their agreement with security was that after their radio talkshows, they go for a rally, but they are prioritizing processions instead. They don’t have supporters on the ground,” a source says.
In fact, these goons have turned to the destruction of property.
On Monday, a van belonging to the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) was vandalized by some elements within the NUP. This was during a rally held by the opposition NUP in Mbarara.
The incident occurred as Bobi Wine visited the western region district to open offices of the political party’s branch.
“We should all condemn this level of violence and lawlessness,” said UNRA spokesperson Allan Ssempebwa.
According to Ssempebwa, the van was going about its normal duties and business in Mbarara, for that’s where it’s stationed.
“It was hit and vandalized! Ssempebwa said.
Earlier, NUP activists accused the same driver of drawing his pistol at Bobi Wine, which officials said was false.
But Ssempebwa said the driver was going about his work when he was attacked.
“Should our assets be parked and not do work because someone is launching an office in the area?” wondered Ssempebwa.