Bukomansimbi: DP, NRM fans clash
Supporters of DP candidate for Bukomansimbi County Deogratius Kiyingi carry him shoulder high after the rally on Wednesday. Photo by Issa Aliga.
BUKOMANSIMBI- One person was injured on Tuesday following clashes between supporters of the Democratic Party candidate for Bukomansimbi North constituency, Mr Deogratius Kiyingi and NRM supporters at a rally in Kibinge Sub-county.
The injured was identified as Joseph Kibirige.
Trouble started when Mr Kiyingi, the incumbent MP for Bukomansimbi County reached his rally at Lugazi village on Wednesday only to find NRM supporters had stormed the venue and attacked DP members thus, engaging in a fierce fight.
The scuffle started at around 5:45pm when DP supporters asked NRM supporters why they provocatively pinned up campaign posters of President Museveni and Maurice Peter Kagimu, the NRM flag bearer in the race.
Mr Kagimu is the son of late Ben Kiwanuka, one of the founders of DP, but ever since he crossed to NRM, his supporters have been at loggerheads with DP diehards in Bukomansimbi District, which is a DP stronghold.
Southern Region police commander Maxwell Ogwal said police had started investigations into what could have led to the clashes.
“The electoral guidelines are very clear. When one candidate is in an area, his opponent and the supporters are not supposed to go there, but we really don’t know how this came about,” Ogwal said by telephone.
DP supporters at a rally complained about NRM supporters trailing and spying on DP candidates at their rallies and that’s why clashes have always occurred.
They said no amount of intimidation will force them to abandon the DP candidate . “ DP is in our blood and we will not waver in the face of fear and intimidation,” shouted Sharif Musasizi, a supporter of Kiyingi.
To express their support, the residents lifted Kiyingi on their shoulders as he flashed DP’s folded fist sign. Other contenders are Hajarah Nalwanga (Ind) and Eva Nabawanuka
