The National Resistance Movement (NRM) structure elections (election of parish structures) in three parishes within the Kitayunjwa sub-county of Bugabula South constituency, in Kamuli district, were on Monday postponed after police efforts to disperse supporters with tear gas proved unsuccessful. The heated contest, reportedly fueled by divisions between supporters of Speaker Kadaga and Deputy Speaker Among, saw intense clashes surrounding the LC2 NRM party elections.
The central figure in the upheaval appeared to be newcomer Mathew Bazanya, a close ally of former Speaker of Parliament and Kamuli district Woman MP Alitwala Rebecca Kadaga. He faced a formidable alliance allied to Speaker Anita Annet Among. The alliance reportedly comprised the current MP for Bugabula County South, former MP Asuman Kiyingi, and former Kamuli LCV Thomas Kategere—all hailing from Kitayunjwa sub-county.
Kadaga and Among are foes vying for a bigger party position – the position of NRM national vice-chairperson (female).
At Namisambya Parish, where elections were initially cancelled following petitions alleging Bazanya’s camp attempted to hide electorates under the guise of a seminar, Bazanya addressed his supporters, delivering what many considered “sad” news.
“We are not weakened, but strengthened by the cancellation of our elections here,” he declared, urging them to remain steadfast. “All these are manipulations of dying horses, but power remains with you, the voters.”
Similar scenes unfolded at Naminage Parish, the home ground of incumbent MP Maurice Kibalya. Despite a heavy downpour and the deployment of tear gas by police, Bazanya’s supporters remained defiant, chanting slogans in support of Kadaga. Reports indicate that even the tear gas proved ineffective in dispersing the determined crowd.
The pattern of disruptions extended to Namaganda Parish, leading to the eventual postponement of elections across all three locations.
Following the failed elections, tensions escalated further. Supporters of Kibalya reportedly targeted Bazanya’s political “shrine,” destroying it and carrying the wreckage to Kibalya’s Community Hospital. The incident underscores the deeply polarized political climate in the region.
In related news, Milly Babalanda, the Minister for Presidency and aspiring MP for Budiope West, was elected unopposed as chairperson of the Women’s League in Iringa Parish. This victory was reportedly “as a reward for her unconditional support and promotion of women.”
The future of the postponed elections in Kitayunjwa sub-county remains uncertain, but the events of today highlight the passionate engagement, and potential volatility, within the Ugandan political landscape.
