The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has condemned and distanced itself from a violent incident in Kampala in which individuals dressed in the party’s signature yellow t-shirts were caught on camera assaulting and robbing civilians.
In a statement issued on Monday, NRM Secretary General, Rt Hon Richard Todwong, described the scenes as “regrettable and very unfortunate,” suggesting the actions may have been part of a calculated plot by political opponents to tarnish the party’s image.
The violent acts, which quickly spread across social media platforms, occurred shortly after NRM National Chairman, President Yoweri Museveni, picked nomination forms at the party headquarters on Kyadondo Road, signaling his intent to contest as the party’s flagbearer in the upcoming presidential election.
“We cannot rule out the possibility that those involved were planted by opposition elements who wore our party t-shirts to discredit us,” Todwong told journalists. “That kind of behaviour is alien to the NRM. Our youth have never conducted themselves in such a manner. It mirrors the tactics often associated with other political groups.”
Todwong emphasized that the NRM, in collaboration with state security agencies, has launched a full investigation into the incident. He reiterated that the individuals seen in the viral footage are not recognized members of the party’s youth structures and that their conduct violated the NRM’s values and code of conduct.
“The footage is clear, and the faces are identifiable. Police are following up on each individual involved. We are committed to ensuring that those responsible are held accountable,” he stated.
While doubling down on suspicions of political sabotage, the Secretary General also expressed sympathy to those who suffered during the incident.
“We do not condone such criminal acts. We sincerely apologize to the victims who were attacked and robbed in broad daylight. The fact that our party attire was used to commit these acts is unacceptable and deeply disturbing,” Todwong added.
The NRM has promised to cooperate fully with law enforcement to ensure justice is served and to prevent such incidents from recurring.
