The leader of the National Unity Platform, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, has expressed sympathy to traders and residents whose businesses and property were destroyed by floods following heavy rains that hit several parts of the country on Thursday.
In a message shared while reportedly in hiding, Mr Kyagulanyi said he stood in solidarity with business men and women who lost merchandise after floodwaters swept through shops and markets.
Appearing in a short video clip, the opposition leader was seen eating jackfruit as he addressed supporters and commented on the situation affecting traders.
“What happened to the traders is painful. We have been telling you that no one will be safe until all of us are safe,” he said.
Mr Kyagulanyi used the opportunity to criticize the government, arguing that poor governance and lack of effective urban planning continue to expose Ugandans to disasters such as floods.
The opposition leader also commented on reports that billions of shillings had recently been given to social media influencers, including TikTok users. According to him, the move was intended to improve the public image of the government.
He claimed the initiative was aimed at “sanitising the name of the regime and compromising voices that could challenge what he described as poor governance.”
Mr Kyagulanyi further urged Ugandans not to give up on participating in democratic processes, particularly the upcoming Local Council One (LC1) elections.
“I urge Ugandans to participate in the coming LC1 elections and not lose hope,” he said.
He also stated that if there is political change in the country, fresh elections could be organized in areas where citizens believe their voices were not reflected in the recently concluded national polls.
Uganda held its general elections on January 15, 2026, where Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was declared the winner with 71.65 percent of the vote, according to results announced by the Electoral Commission of Uganda.
Mr Kyagulanyi finished second with 24.72 percent of the vote, securing about 2.74 million votes, but rejected the results, alleging widespread irregularities during the electoral process.
The election, which had a voter turnout of about 52.5 percent, was conducted under heightened political tension and a nationwide internet shutdown that authorities said was intended to curb misinformation and maintain security.
Despite the outcome, Mr Kyagulanyi has maintained that the struggle for democratic reforms in Uganda continues and called on supporters to remain engaged in political processes.
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