By Jamillah Kemigisa
Tensions in Bunyangabu District turned violent this week as supporters of two rival National Resistance Movement (NRM) parliamentary aspirants, Dr. Peace Regis Mutuuzo and Sarah Kabarokole, clashed in a chaotic confrontation that left one person seriously injured.
The violence erupted during early campaign engagements ahead of the hotly contested NRM primaries. What began as a heated verbal exchange between supporters quickly escalated into a physical altercation, with disturbing consequences.
One supporter, identified as Sanyu, a resident of Kabale Village in Kibiito Subcounty, sustained a severe head injury after being struck during the fracas. He is currently undergoing medical treatment, and local authorities have since heightened security measures in the area.
The incident prompted an immediate response from the Office of the President. In a strongly worded letter dated 12th June 2025, Nuwamanya Robert, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Bunyangabu, condemned the violence and issued a stern warning to all political actors.
“This Office has received numerous complaints of acts of violence among candidates by their agents—fighting each other, blocking posters of their fellow candidates, and obstructing access to supporters,” the RDC wrote.
The letter further emphasized the need for political maturity and respect for democratic freedoms during the ongoing consultation process.
“This is a total violation of one’s rights to exercise his or her freedom,” Nuwamanya continued, urging all candidates to “prevail over your supporters to ensure peaceful consultation.”
Both Dr. Mutuuzo and Ms. Kabarokole are seen as formidable contenders in the NRM race. Dr. Mutuuzo, the current Minister of Gender and Culture, has long-standing political roots in the district, while Kabarokole is emerging as a strong challenger with an energized grassroots campaign.
Though neither candidate has publicly addressed the incident, political observers note a rising intensity in the rivalry between the two camps in recent weeks, with growing concerns about further confrontations as the primaries draw near.
The RDC assured residents that the District Security Committee is closely monitoring the situation. Individuals found instigating or participating in violence will face legal consequences, he warned.
Local residents have expressed anxiety over the deteriorating political atmosphere.
“We want to vote for our leaders peacefully, not through intimidation and injuries,” said one eyewitness, visibly shaken by the confrontation.
With the 2026 general elections on the horizon, the Bunyangabu incident serves as a sobering reminder of the need for restraint and adherence to the rule of law during Uganda’s electoral process.
Authorities have called on all political aspirants to focus on issue-based campaigning and to uphold the principles of tolerance and nonviolence. Whether this appeal will cool the political temperatures in Bunyangabu remains to be seen.
