National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu has warned supporters in Mukono District against independent candidates who use his name and image to solicit votes, saying their intention is to confuse voters and undermine the broader effort for political change.

Addressing thousands at Kalagala Playground in Mukono North, Kyagulanyi emphasized that genuine “revolutionaries” are identifiable by the NUP symbol, the umbrella.

“We are joined under the Ugandan flag. I will not come to every village telling you who to vote, but just know that revolutionaries are identified by the umbrella,” he said. “Many people with different symbols will turn up with my picture to confuse you. Please avoid them. I cannot stop them from contesting, but don’t be misled.”

His warning comes amid controversy surrounding Rev. Peter Bakaluba Mukasa in Mukono Municipality. After losing the NUP primaries for the LCV seat, Bakaluba switched to the parliamentary race against incumbent MP Betty Nambooze as an independent candidate.

Although Bakaluba’s official symbol is a chair, many of his posters feature Kyagulanyi’s image, and he has openly campaigned for the NUP leader using a disco-trail vehicle throughout the week.

Kyagulanyi also criticized what he described as excessive security deployment and rising violence along his campaign trail. Security forces were heavily stationed along major routes across Mukono Municipality and neighboring constituencies.

Richard Lugoloobi, a resident of Goma, said, “people are just excited to see their presidential candidate.”

Despite the disruptions, Kyagulanyi continued his mobilisation, drawing large crowds along alternative routes and at several stopovers throughout Mukono.