NUP Cancels Charity Event in Magere Amid Heavy Security Deployment
military check point on Gayza road and
By Skika Reporter
The opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) has called off a planned charitable activity in Magere, Kasangati Town Council, citing heavy security deployment that made it impossible to proceed with the event.
The party had intended to distribute foodstuffs, soap, and other basic necessities to residents observing both Lent and Ramadan. Mr. John Baptist Nambeshe, NUP deputy president for the Eastern region, said the decision followed warnings from security sources.
“We had to call it off and see whether we can carry out the activity another day. We have always gifted our fasting friends with various goodies, but suddenly we saw deployment all over the place,” Nambeshe told the Daily Monitor.
On Monday, the Gayaza-Kampala Road experienced severe traffic gridlock, with motorists forced to divert through villages including Magere and Seeta. Security personnel conducted extensive checks on every vehicle, causing hours-long delays.
Col. Chris Magezi, acting Director of Defence Public Information at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, said the operation aimed to restore order on Ugandan roads.
“The UPDF Military Police Brigade, working with the Uganda Police Force, are ensuring full compliance with traffic regulations by all motorists, impounding unregistered or numberless vehicles, and curbing the illegal use of sirens,” Col. Magezi stated. He dismissed claims that the checkpoints were intended to target NUP leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine.
“No one is looking for or interested in the NUP leader. The police and military aim to restore discipline, enforce traffic regulations, and curtail criminal activities by some motorists,” he added.
Motorists reported that officers primarily checked for third-party insurance, vehicle occupants, and trunk contents, without asking for any specific individuals. The checkpoint was located near the road leading to Bobi Wine’s residence, which he vacated before the January 17, 2026, election results announcement.
Security sources previously warned of a possible raid, and since then, Bobi Wine has remained in hiding while continuing to address the media intermittently. His wife, Barbara Itungo, was reportedly placed under house arrest. Police spokesperson Mr. Kituuma Rusoke described the roadblock as routine and temporary.
An investigative report by the Daily Monitor last month detailed the extensive security setup in Magere, including CCTV cameras, drones, and dozens of deployed soldiers and police officers stationed at key points around Bobi Wine’s residence. Counterterrorism units occupy neighboring compounds and operate tents for logistical purposes.
Mr. George William Kigozi, LC1 chairman for Magere, said the heavy deployment shows no immediate sign of ending.
“The situation seems to be getting back to normal, but the deployment around the whole village remains, and we do not know when it will end,” Kigozi said.
The cancellation of NUP’s charity event highlights ongoing tensions and heightened security presence in Magere, complicating community outreach and public activities in the area.
