Africa-Press – Uganda. A wave of poster vandalism has unsettled aspiring candidates in Hoima City and Hoima District, raising alarm over increasing political intolerance ahead of the 2026 general elections and the July 17 National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries.
Across key highways and streets in the region, candidates have displayed campaign posters, but many report that unknown individuals are tearing, defacing, or removing them—often in targeted and symbolic ways.
Pius Wakabi Rujumba, the incumbent Member of Parliament for Bugahya County, says his posters have been torn into pieces, with some assailants deliberately gouging out the eyes and mouths on the images.
“They are even whipping my posters—as if trying to inflict pain on me. There is escalating heat in the Bugahya County parliamentary race,” he said, urging district security authorities to intervene and restore calm.
Wakabi also appealed to his supporters not to retaliate. “Despite the provocation, do not tamper with opponents’ posters. We need peace and unity,” he said.
“Each poster costs about Shs 700. When over 1,000 posters are destroyed, that’s a significant financial loss.”
Jonah Byakutaga, an aspiring candidate for Hoima City East, expressed similar frustration.
“We invest a lot in these posters. Just rally support, don’t tear or hide fellow candidates’ posters,” he said, revealing that many of his larger campaign banners have mysteriously disappeared.
Supporters of other candidates, including Asinansi Nyakato, the incumbent Hoima City Woman MP, have also decried the vandalism.
John Balijura, a vocal Nyakato supporter, condemned the actions as “evil and undemocratic,” and called for maturity in politics.
Hoima district NRM Chairperson and LCV aspirant Savana Vincent Muhumuza urged candidates to take responsibility for their campaign teams.
“Let us tame our supporters and encourage peaceful participation throughout the electoral process,” he said.
Police in the Albertine region say they are investigating the incidents. Spokesperson Julius Hakiza confirmed the reports and appealed for restraint.
“We’ve noted the habit and launched investigations. Voters and supporters should avoid such acts and embrace mature politics,” he said.
With campaigns intensifying ahead of the primaries, the vandalism has become a flashpoint in an increasingly competitive race that observers warn could escalate if unchecked.
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