Tensions have flared at Kabale Municipal Stadium after Hon. Aja Andrew Baryayanga, the former MP for Kabale Municipality, was initially barred from accessing the venue where elections for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party structures were taking place.
Hon. Baryayanga, who is vying for the NRM Chairmanship against incumbent Hon. David Bahati, arrived at the stadium around 11:02 AM accompanied by members of his campaign team.
However, security officers stationed at the entrance refused him entry, reportedly acting on a directive permitting access only to pre-approved individuals.
Sources claim that Minister Bahati and several security officials held a closed-door meeting the night before, where it was allegedly agreed that only vetted delegates would be allowed into the venue during the election.
The situation quickly escalated as supporters of Hon. Baryayanga protested the decision, demanding entry. Amid rising tensions, they eventually forced their way into the stadium, prompting security to stand down and allow Hon. Baryayanga and his team inside after a brief standoff.
Also denied access was Counsel Eliab Naturinda Mporera, a parliamentary aspirant for Ndorwa West.
In a further setback for transparency, journalists were barred from the polling area, raising concerns over media freedom and the integrity of the electoral process.
