Africa-Press – Uganda. A cloud of frustration and anger hung over Busimbi Sub-county on Sunday morning after police abruptly blocked a community health camp organized by Mityana Municipality MP, Francis Zaake Butebi.
The event, which had drawn hundreds of hopeful residents from Mityana and surrounding areas, was meant to offer free medical care and discounted essential items.
Instead, attendees were met with a heavy police presence as security forces cordoned off the venue at dawn, denying access to patients, vendors, and organizers.
Armed officers ordered people to vacate the grounds, leading to confrontations and confusion among residents who had arrived as early as 6 a.m.
“We came here as early as 6am because we were told there would be free treatment. Now we are being chased like criminals,” lamented Getrude Naluwaga, a mother from Myanzi.
The health camp had been advertised as a non-political outreach intended to provide general medical checkups, treatment for common ailments, and health education.
A mini-exhibition was also planned, allowing residents to buy household items at subsidized prices.
A visibly upset MP Zaake confronted officers at the scene, accusing security agencies of playing politics at the expense of public welfare.
“We followed all the necessary procedures and informed the relevant offices. This was a non-political event aimed at helping our people. Why block it?” he demanded during a tense exchange.
The incident attracted a small crowd of onlookers, many of whom accused the authorities of stifling public service initiatives linked to opposition leaders.
Police, however, defended the move. Wamala Regional Police acting spokesperson Michael Teriyeitu said the event lacked proper authorisation.
“There was no official approval from the Ministry of Health or the security agencies to hold this public gathering. We are simply enforcing the law,” he told.
Observers say the incident underscores ongoing tensions between opposition figures and state security in Uganda, particularly as elections approach.
While officials cite procedural violations, critics argue that such disruptions reflect an increasingly politicised response to opposition-led community engagements.
“This is not about law and order. It’s about fear of opposition popularity,” said one local observer who declined to be named.
For residents, the blocked camp felt like yet another missed opportunity to access critical health services.
“We are tired of these power games. Today it’s free treatment. Tomorrow it will be something else. Let them remember we are the ones who suffer,” said Richard Makumbi, a boda boda rider who had brought his sick mother for treatment.
Despite the setback, Zaake pledged to reschedule the event and follow all formal procedures to avoid further obstruction.
He also called on government agencies to uphold the right of every Ugandan to access healthcare, regardless of political affiliation.
Residents have joined in that call, urging authorities to put people before politics, particularly in underserved areas where such outreach remains vital.
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