MP Rescheduling ‘Parallel’ NRA Event that Security Blocked on Victory Day

Nakaseke Central Member of Parliament Allan Mayanja Ssebunnya pushing ahead to hold an event for praying for the souls of all those who died during the National Resistance Army (NRA) bush war from 1981 to 1986, which security blocked yesterday saying it was parallel to the nation NRM Victory Day. 

Last week, MP Ssebunnya, a member of the opposition National Unity Platform -NUP party circulated leaflets indicating that he has organized an event to pray for the souls of all those who died during the NRA bush war.  The leaflets made rounds on social media announcing the function. The leaflets bore wordings in Lugandawith a title: “Okusabira Emyooyo gy’Abagenzi Abafiira mu Lutalo lwa NRA (1981-1986)”,  meaning praying for the souls of all those who died during the NRA bush war from 1981-1986. 

It also had pictures of skulls and armed people indicating that they were in the bush fighting. 

According to the MP, the prayers were to start at 9.am at Kikamulo Sub-County headquarters. But after learning about this event, Nakaseke Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Fred Bamwine issued a warning to the lawmaker, against holding a parallel function. 

RDC Bamwine who also heads security in the district said that this event, which he considered as parallel, cannot be sanctioned when there is a national event. According to RDC Bamwine, although districts can organize the NRM celebrations basing on the guidelines, any related events of this kind can only be allowed when the national event has ended. RDC Bamwine also revealed that during the district security meeting, he learned that the organizers did not even seek permission from police. 

Luganda Audio

//Cue in: "NRM nnebalowooza nti... //

Cue out: ...ngalo, bakomba maziga."// 

On Wednesday morning, as MP Mayanja with colleagues, organizers and religious leaders among others moved to access the venue, they were treated to the sight of a heavy deployment of joint security forces including the police and the army. The security barricaded all routes to the venue as they didn’t allow anybody to enter. 

This triggered clashes between the MP with security who wanted to arrest him. 

Security thereafter dispersed the people who had refused to leave the venue They included one of the preachers Rev. Moses Kalule, attached to Kiwoko Church of Uganda and other people who wanted to attend the event. 

Now, speaking to Uganda Radio Network -URN after the failed function, MP Ssebunnya revealed that the organizers will announce another day because prayers for those who died in the bush war must be held come rain come shine.

Luganda Audio

//Cue in: "NRM nnebalowooza nti...//

Cue out: ...ngalo, bakomba maziga."//

English Audio //Cue in: "For us that...//

Cue out: ...would be next."//

The national event was held at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala, under the theme: “Celebrating the 36th NRM victory day, a call to duty for all compatriots to continue towards Uganda’s Social Economic Transformation Journey.” 

President Museveni was the Guest of Honor.