Political tensions have once again flared in Ndorwa West Constituency after bodyguards attached to the incumbent area Member of Parliament, David Kwesiga Bahati, allegedly assaulted supporters of the NRM flag bearer, Eliab Naturinda Mporera, at Mukabaya Trading Centre in Kahungye Sub-county.
The incident occurred when a lead vehicle in Minister Bahati’s convoy reportedly parked at the trading centre, with bodyguards said to be armed with firearms and sticks. The guards allegedly attacked Naturinda’s supporters in an apparent attempt to block them from welcoming him ahead of the commissioning of the Habuhinga–Kasiru Bridge in Kahungye Sub-county. The bridge was constructed by the UPDF Engineering Brigade as part of activities marking the 45th Tarehe Sita celebrations.
The confrontation caused panic and a stampede at the busy trading centre, prompting Naturinda to intervene and calm the situation. Police officers and UPDF personnel were later alerted and deployed to restore order.
The incident comes as Uganda heads into the 15 January 2026 general elections. In July last year, security officials in Kabale District identified Ndorwa West Constituency as a potential hotspot for electoral violence ahead of the polls.
At least 15 supporters sustained injuries during the scuffle. In the same incident, Nelson Ahimbisibwe, a journalist with Vision Group, was assaulted while attempting to document the violence. His mobile phone was temporarily confiscated by one of Bahati’s security guards and was later returned damaged, following the intervention of police and Naturinda himself.
Addressing the gathering, Kabale Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Maj. Godfrey Katamba condemned the violence and urged supporters from all political camps to desist from acts of aggression. He warned that security agencies would arrest individuals found inciting violence ahead of the elections.
Representing the Chief of Defence Forces, Maj. Gen. Henry Matsiko, the UPDF Chief Political Commissar, cautioned men and women in uniform against brutalizing civilians. He further warned against politicizing UPDF projects, emphasizing that the commissioning ceremony was organized by the Ministry of Defence, not politicians.
Maj. Gen. Matsiko called on voters to embrace peaceful elections and avoid all forms of electoral violence, warning that the UPDF would not tolerate actions that threaten national peace before, during, or after polling. He reminded both politicians and security personnel that the army must not be misused to settle political scores.
CUE IN MATSIKO…..ON THE MATTER…..RR//
In his remarks, Eliab Naturinda Mporera urged his supporters to remain calm and peaceful, calling on them to express their political will through the ballot when voters head to the polls on 15 January 2026.
CUE IN NATURINDA….. ON THE MATTER….RR//
