Fanfare as Amama, Museveni are nominated

Kampala. The downpour in Kampala did nothing to kill the excitement and passion of supporters of presidential candidates Amama Mbabazi and Yoweri Museveni who were nominated yesterday.
Both candidates’ camps showcased their mobilisation might as scores escorted Mr Museveni and Mr Mbabazi to venues where they held their first post-nomination rallies.
Hundreds of boda boda cyclists lined up at several petrol stations on Jinja Road for free fuel as they waited to escort President Museveni to Kololo Independence Grounds for his rally.
All roads leading to Kololo were clustered by people clad in yellow T-shirts bearing Mr Museveni’s portrait. At the entrance to the venue, thousands lined up at various check points. Shortly afterwards, the heavens opened, drenching many, but this did not dampen their excitement.
The cyclists later ushered Mr Museveni in the company of his wife Janet Museveni into Kololo amid ululation.
Then a yellow jet with Mr Museveni’s campaign posters hovered over the sky, sending the crowd into frenzy. By the time the President arrived at Kololo, Mr Mbabazi’s convoy was still stuck in traffic jam, creating anxiety among thousands of his supporters waiting for him at Nakivubo stadium where he was to launch his manifesto.
The supporters also braved the downpour, determined not to take shelter until their “President” arrived.
Meanwhile, police was busy clearing traffic on Jinja Road to ensure smooth passage for Mr Mbabazi’s convoy, which comprised taxis and cyclists flashing the Go Forward sign. Many others also carried his posters. The former prime minister‘s convoy was guarded by security men in black suits who firmly held onto his black Land Cruiser.
His convoy arrived at Nakivubo at around 2pm. Heavy deployment was visible in areas where the two candidates were expected to pass. The road leading to Namboole stadium, the nomination venue, was heavily guarded by police, while security patrolled Jinja Road.