The government has declined a request by the National Unity Platform (NUP) to hold a presidential campaign rally at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds early next year, citing prior bookings.
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 slated for January 10, 2026, cannot be accommodated because the venue is already booked until March/April 2026.
The letter, signed by Sam Kallu on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, says NUP’s application, submitted on October 27, 2025, came too late. The ministry advised the party to find an alternative venue.
The communication was copied to senior defence officials, including the Commander of the Special Forces and the UPDF engineer in charge of Kololo.
This is the second time NUP has been denied access to Kololo. In July 2024, the same ministry blocked the party from using the grounds for its fourth anniversary, citing rehabilitation works — a move NUP leaders criticised as unfair.
By press time, NUP had not issued an official response or announced a new venue as preparations for the 2026 elections continue to take shape.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story
