Africa-Press – Uganda. What began as a routine NRM party election in Mbale’s Northern Division spiraled into chaos Monday afternoon after a candidate vying for the chairperson seat allegedly pulled out a pistol, triggering panic and prompting authorities to suspend the polls.
The unsettling incident occurred during the tense mainstream structure elections, following an earlier victory by a key ally of Yahaya Kiti—rival to chairperson candidate Kimbugwe—for the position of Secretary for Finance.
The win sparked accusations of betrayal and vote-rigging from Kimbugwe’s supporters, escalating already frayed tensions.
Witnesses say the atmosphere grew increasingly volatile as shouts and scuffles broke out, culminating in the moment Kimbugwe reportedly brandished a wooden pestle in full view of the gathering.
“It was shocking—completely unexpected,” said an attendee. “People scattered in fear. No one knew what he intended to do.”
Dorothy Nyote, the NRM Administrator for Mbale City, confirmed the disruption, attributing the confusion in part to the presence of unauthorized individuals at the venue.
“We had completed the league elections smoothly. But as we transitioned to the mainstream positions, ineligible voters infiltrated the arena. With the tension and chaos, continuing was impossible,” Nyote said.
The situation deteriorated quickly, prompting swift intervention from security personnel.
Yahya Were, the deputy Resident City Commissioner for Northern Division, confirmed that the pestle was confiscated to prevent possible harm.
“We received the complaint, secured the pestle, and handed it over to the Division Police Commander. It was a necessary step to avoid escalation,” Were stated.
Nyote herself was reportedly escorted away from the venue for her safety.
“I was frightened. When I heard someone had drawn a pestle, I had to be evacuated immediately,” she said.
NRM party officials have since suspended the elections, with a new date yet to be announced. As of press time, no criminal charges had been confirmed against Kimbugwe, though investigations are ongoing.
The Mbale incident is the latest in a series of turbulent episodes surrounding the NRM’s grassroots restructuring process, which continues to stir controversy across various districts.
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