Teargas fails as NRM Bugabula South LC2 polls postponed amid rival clashes
Kamuli District Police officers and NRM election officials engage with rowdy voters, explaining the next steps after the postponement of the LC2 elections in Bugabula South on May 12, 2025. Photo/Sam Caleb Opio
What you need to know:
- The polls were called off following a petition by supporters of an alliance between incumbent MP Maurice Henry Kibalya, former MP Asuman Kiyingi, and former Kamuli LCV Chairperson Thomas Kategere, who accused Mr Basanya’s team of allegedly hiding voters under the pretext of a seminar at Namisambya Parish.
Tension gripped Kitayunjwa Sub-county in Kamuli District on May 12 after elections for the ruling National Resistance Movement, NRM LC2 flag bearer position in Bugabula South Constituency were abruptly postponed amid fierce clashes between rival camps.
Police fired teargas to disperse supporters of Mr Mathew Basanya, but the defiant crowd refused to budge, chanting slogans such as "Kadaga is Ours" and "Anita is a foreigner." Even a heavy downpour failed to dampen their resolve, as they remained at the venue protesting the election postponement.
The polls were called off following a petition by supporters of an alliance between incumbent MP Maurice Henry Kibalya, former MP Asuman Kiyingi, and former Kamuli LCV Chairperson Thomas Kategere, who accused Mr Basanya’s team of allegedly hiding voters under the pretext of a seminar at Namisambya Parish.
Addressing his supporters, Mr Basanya accused his opponents of fearing the people's power.
"We are not weakened but strengthened by the cancellation of our elections here at Namisambya Parish because our rivals have petitioned the district electoral commission that we hid electorates under the guise of a seminar," Mr Basanya told the crowd.
"Let us remain strong and wait for whichever date. All these are manipulations of dying horses, but power remains with you, the voters."
Supporters of Mr Maurice Kibalya carry away Mr Mathew Basanya’s political shrine after dismantling it at Naminage Trading Centre in Kamuli District on May 12, 2025. Photo/Sam Caleb Opio
The situation later turned chaotic when supporters of Mr Kibalya destroyed a political shrine erected by Mr Basanya’s camp, carrying it triumphantly to Kibalya’s Community Hospital.
In a separate political development, Ms Milly Babalanda, the Minister for the Presidency and aspiring MP for Budiope West, was elected unopposed as Chairperson of the Women League in Iringa Parish. The election was widely viewed as a recognition of her "unconditional support and promotion of women."
