The National Unity Platform (NUP) vice president for Buganda Sub-region, Mr Muwanga Kivumbi, narrowly escaped assault on Wednesday after a group of National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporters allegedly turned violent when he unexpectedly entered their meeting in Butambala District.
Mr Kivumbi, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Butambala County, had gone to the district headquarters to collect nomination forms ahead of next week’s parliamentary nominations. However, witnesses said his sudden entry into a meeting of NRM youth members at the Resident District Commissioner’s (RDC) office sparked confusion and anger.
According to Ms Rashidah Namboowa, the Butambala District chairperson, the lawmaker had intended to briefly meet the new RDC but was unaware that the office was hosting a gathering of NRM youth mobilisers. The group was reportedly planning for a weekend rally under the “Buganda for Museveni” campaign, aimed at boosting support for President Museveni ahead of the 2026 general election.
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“When he entered, some members thought he had come to disrupt their meeting,” Ms Namboowa said. “They immediately confronted him, but the Assistant RDC, Mr Kenneth Twenyumize, intervened and calmed the situation before it got out of hand.”
An NRM supporter from Bulo Sub-county, who preferred anonymity, said members were shocked to see the outspoken opposition MP seated near the RDC without introducing himself. “He has often criticised our president and the NRM. Seeing him in our meeting without explanation was provocative,” the supporter said.
Efforts to get a comment from Mr Kivumbi were unsuccessful as he declined to speak on the matter. Both the RDC, Mr Moses Dumba, and his deputy, Mr Twenyumize, also refused to comment further on the incident.
Ms Namboowa later clarified that the MP was not seriously injured and urged political supporters to avoid escalating tensions. “If such incidents continue, we could see unnecessary clashes between rival youth groups in Butambala,” she warned.
Katonga region police spokesperson, Ms Lydia Tumushabe, confirmed awareness of the altercation but said no formal complaint had been filed. “We urge politicians and their supporters to exercise restraint during this campaign period. The priority should be maintaining peace and stability as we head toward the 2026 elections,” she said.
Once a ruling party stronghold, Butambala is now largely dominated by the NUP, which holds both the district’s parliamentary seats and the majority on the district council.
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