Africa-Press – Uganda. Gunfire in the air and chaos erupted during the National Resistance Movement (NRM) parish-level elections in Rubaga South A, Kampala, casting a shadow over the highly anticipated exercise aimed at selecting new party leaders.
The dramatic scenes unfolded at Kabowa Church of Uganda Primary School, the designated polling station for the area, where only registered NRM members were permitted entry.
Security personnel maintained a strict perimeter, preventing unregistered individuals from accessing the polling grounds—an action that sparked heated confrontations.
Tensions peaked when a group of youths attempted to force their way into the polling station. The ensuing scuffle prompted security forces to discharge live bullets into the air to disperse the crowd. Several individuals were arrested in the melee, although no serious injuries were reported.
The elections culminated in a significant political upset as Jamil Kabugo unseated incumbent Rubaga District NRM chairperson Hajji Abdallah Kitatta with a margin of 68 votes to 40.
Despite the loss, Kitatta publicly accepted the results, though some of his supporters voiced strong dissatisfaction with the outcome.
Other committee members elected include Majembere Kamuntu Ssemakula as information secretary and Musa Mbaziira, popularly known as “Bulldozer” who was elected as the Party mobiliser.
A similar atmosphere of tension was reported in Kyengera Town Council, Wakiso District, where the parish elections also drew considerable interest and high voter turnout.
Former district chairperson Hajji Abdul Kiyimba secured the position of party secretary general. Meanwhile, Yosam Male was elected parish chairperson, marking a political comeback after previously resigning from the same post.
Speaking after his victory, Hajji Kiyimba expressed optimism about returning to the district political arena, stating his ambition to reclaim the district chairperson seat he held for over a decade.
“These elections show that the NRM remains vibrant and democratic at the grassroots. I’m proud to be chosen by the people once again,” Kiyimba said.
Despite the sporadic violence, the elections concluded without major disruptions to the overall process. The NRM electoral commission is expected to release an official report on the incidents and results across the affected areas in the coming days.
The NRM parish elections are part of a nationwide internal party exercise to restructure and strengthen grassroots leadership, which is viewed as critical ahead of the 2026 general elections.
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