Police intervene as rival supporters clash in Mawogola

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Police in Ssembabule district have opened investigations into a violent clash between supporters of two parliamentary candidates for Mawogola South County.

The violence erupted on Monday (December 29) at separate rallies held at Kikoni and Nsumba in Mateete subcounty, prompting the deployment of Ssembabule Police anti-riot officers to restore order. 

Over 10 supporters were injured during the confrontation and rushed to Bamu Hospital in Mateete Town Council, according to sources.

The violence reportedly erupted after NRM supporters mounted a roadblock to prevent NUP supporters from crossing into their area, a move that triggered the clashes. Several supporters from both camps were arrested as police intervened to contain the situation.

Ssembabule resident district commissioner Jane Frances Kagayi confirmed the incident and warned both candidates, incumbent MP Goreth Namugga of the National Unity Platform and Dez Byuma of the National Resistance Movement, to refrain from violent conduct.

“Let both focus on hunting for votes and support in the electorate; resorting to violence is criminal, and we shall arrest and prosecute all those involved,” Kagayi said.

She told New Vision that security agencies had already obtained evidence suggesting that some of the individuals involved were hired from Nyendo suburb in Masaka city.

“It seems these are organised crimes. What are the violent gangs from Nyendo doing in Ssembabule district. We shall apprehend those behind it,” she said.

Kagayi added that other suspects implicated in the violence were residents of Mateete and other parts of Ssembabule.

Another security source told New Vision that Nyendo suburb had increasingly become a source of security threats during elections and in other criminal activities in the region.

“We are informed about a crime syndicate from Nyendo where they hatch plans on a hired mission to mess up elections, land conflicts and other crimes. This must stop,” the security source, who preferred anonymity, said.

MP Namugga said her supporters were provoked after a rally, while Byuma also blamed the violence on Namugga’s camp.

Denis Ddumba, the Mawogola South parliamentary candidate running as an independent, condemned the violence.

“Let the electorate side with my candidature, which is neutral and violence-free,” he said.