A violent confrontation erupted on Monday between supporters of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP) in Masaka.
The fracas occurred when the campaign convoys of NUP candidate Ronald Evans Kanyike and NRM candidate Joanita Nalule converged at the Kidda trading centre junction in Kiteengesa Ward, Nyendo–Mukungwe Division.
Eyewitnesses reported that the incident was initiated when the driver of Kanyike’s sound system truck made an abrupt stop in the middle of the road, effectively obstructing the path of the NRM candidate’s caravan, which was travelling in the same direction.
Kidda resident, Hassan Mayiga, noted that the sudden stoppage appeared provocative to Nalule’s team, leading to the initiation of physical confrontations. The situation reportedly intensified when the NUP candidate, Kanyike, exited his vehicle to confront the rival supporters.
Eyewitness Julius Kasiko stated that Kanyike was subsequently manhandled and assaulted, resulting in the shattering of the windows of his Land Cruiser Prado (UBK 665Q). Both candidates were observed to be accompanied by groups of supporters and civilian guards during the incident.
The two campaigns offered contradictory versions of the events. Kanyike asserted that he was badly beaten and is currently receiving treatment at a private health facility.
He accused his opponent of intentionally orchestrating the confrontation, claiming NRM teams had crossed from their designated ward to interfere with his campaign. He stated that when the teams met, the NRM supporters had made a stopover and were campaigning on the roadside, refusing to allow his convoy to drive past.
Conversely, NRM’s Nalule assigned the blame to Kanyike, accusing him of moving with a disruptive group that routinely provokes rivals and disregards traffic regulations. Nalule further claimed that Kanyike physically pulled off her car’s side mirror after his sound truck had blocked the road, which prompted the reaction from her supporters.
Billy Janet Mulindwa, the Masaka resident district commissioner (RDC), confirmed that security forces were alerted and responded swiftly to the incident. She noted that the police have since summoned both candidates and their respective teams to record official statements as investigations proceed.
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