Political tensions in Ndorwa West County, Kabale District, are intensifying ahead of the 2026 general elections, with increasing reports of intimidation, sabotage, and malicious actions targeting aspiring candidates.
The most recent incident has put the spotlight on Champion Edward Bannet, the Local Council III (LC3) Chairman of Butanda Sub County and a close aide to State Minister of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives (Industry), Hon. David Kwesiga Bahati.
Bannet is accused of vandalizing campaign posters belonging to Counsel Eliab Naturinda Mporera, who is widely regarded as a formidable contender for the Ndorwa West County parliamentary seat under the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) ticket.
A video that has since gone viral on various social media platforms captured the LC3 Chairman tearing down posters of Counsel Mporera from a motorcycle parking area in Kagogo Village, Bigaga Parish, Butanda Sub County.
The footage has sparked outrage among locals, especially supporters of Mporera, who condemned the act as an open display of political intolerance and abuse of office.
Eyewitnesses in Kagogo village say that Bannet, a known loyalist to Minister Bahati, acted with impunity and seemed unbothered by the presence of bystanders.
“He removed all the posters and threw them on the ground. When we tried to question him, he shouted that only Bahati’s posters should be seen in Butanda,” one resident, who preferred anonymity for fear of retaliation, narrated.
The incident has been widely interpreted as a manifestation of growing hostility within the NRM party’s internal politics, particularly in Kabale, where Minister Bahati has enjoyed a strong political foothold for over two decades.
However, recent developments suggest that a new generation of leaders, including Counsel Mporera, is emerging and gaining significant grassroots support, particularly among the youth and professional groups.
In a statement issued on Monday, Counsel Eliab Naturinda Mporera condemned the vandalism of his campaign materials, calling it a sign of desperation and political insecurity from his opponents.
“I am deeply disappointed by the actions of Champion Bannet. Such behavior is not only unlawful but also goes against the spirit of democracy and fair competition that our party and constitution uphold,” he said.
Mporera called upon the NRM leadership, the Uganda Police, and the Electoral Commission to intervene and ensure that all aspirants are given a level playing field.
“Let us not allow fear and intimidation to define our politics. Uganda is bigger than individuals, and the people of Ndorwa West deserve to choose their leaders freely and peacefully,” he added.
The Butanda Sub County LC5 Councilor, Gilbert Niwanganyira warned that if not addressed, such acts of sabotage could set a dangerous precedent for the upcoming elections.
“When local leaders who are supposed to ensure order engage in political violence and suppression, it sends a chilling message to voters and other aspirants. This must be condemned and investigated thoroughly,” Niwanganyira said.
Attempts to reach Champion Bannet for a comment were futile, as his known phone number was switched off. However, sources close to him claim he does not regret his actions and believes he was protecting the political interests of Minister Bahati, whom he openly supports.
Meanwhile, the Minister himself has remained silent on the matter, despite mounting public pressure for him to distance himself from such actions. Critics argue that his silence could be interpreted as tacit approval of the misconduct by his supporters.
Residents in the area have been vocal about their frustrations, accusing longtime leaders of using state resources and loyal operatives to maintain political dominance at the expense of development and service delivery.
As the country gears up for the 2026 general elections, the unfolding events in Ndorwa West serve as a reminder of the urgent need to promote political tolerance and safeguard democratic values.
The Source Reports.
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