Africa-Press – Uganda. Tensions are boiling over in Ntungamo Municipality ahead of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries, as rival camps aligned to incumbent Member of Parliament Yona Musinguzi and challenger Phillip Akankwasa Tumuhimbise trade serious accusations ranging from arson to election fraud.
The contest has turned increasingly hostile, with Musinguzi accusing his opponent’s camp of torching his training school, while Tumuhimbise’s team alleges that the incumbent is rigging the vote by importing voters from outside the district, destroying their campaign property, and enjoying the backing of partisan NRM officials and police.
Violence flared near Ntungamo Central Police Station late Wednesday when Musinguzi arrived to report the alleged arson incident. He claimed that members of Phillip’s camp confronted him outside the station.
“I had come to police to report a case of my training school being burned by Phillip’s camp. I came alone, but when they saw me, they rushed from Phillip’s house, which is near the station,” said Musinguzi.
He further claimed that vehicles associated with his opponent’s team had been spotted near his camp multiple times, suggesting attempts at surveillance or intimidation.
Phillip Akankwasa Tumuhimbise’s side has dismissed the arson claims and instead pointed fingers at Musinguzi’s team for electoral malpractice.
Smith, the youth chairperson for Ntungamo Municipality and a spokesperson for Tumuhimbise’s campaign, alleged that the incumbent had brought in non-residents to vote illegally.
“Our opponent has brought people from neighboring districts to vote, yet they are not registered voters. When we reported to the police, the response was biased — they turned against us,” Smith said.
He accused some NRM leaders of compromising the integrity of the process.
“We are totally dissatisfied with the actions of some party officials. It is making people lose trust in the party we love,” he added. “We cannot go on with such impunity within our beloved party.”
The Ntungamo Municipality NRM parliamentary race features five contenders: Michael Katurebe, Edward Beyendeza, Eric Nuwagira, Phillip Akankwasa Tumuhimbise, and the incumbent, Yona Musinguzi.
The rising tensions between Musinguzi and Tumuhimbise have overshadowed the campaigns of the other candidates, raising fears that violence could disrupt the vote.
In response to the growing tensions, Ntungamo Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Isaiah Byarugaba urged calm and personal accountability from all candidates and supporters.
“As the Ntungamo District Security Committee, we have held a series of meetings with candidates and stakeholders to ensure a peaceful election,” said Byarugaba.
“We urge each candidate to act as an ally in promoting a successful and non-violent election.”
He warned supporters that individuals would be held criminally responsible for any violence or illegal acts committed during the election.
“The supporters are the ones tearing each other apart. If you engage in criminal activity, you’ll face the consequences alone. The candidate you’re supporting today will not save you tomorrow,” the RDC cautioned.
“Let’s vote peacefully and act responsibly.”
Despite the growing hostilities, the Ntungamo District Security Committee has assured the public that adequate measures are in place to ensure tomorrow’s primaries proceed peacefully and securely.
Authorities say they will maintain a strong presence on the ground and act swiftly against any disruptions.
The stakes are high for all candidates, but the volatile atmosphere has placed Ntungamo’s NRM primary contest under national scrutiny, with party leadership expected to intervene should tensions spiral further.
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