Ex-minister Kabafunzaki stopped from addressing Rukiga joint NRM flag-bearer rally

__________________

The former Minister of State for Industrial Relations, Herbert Kabafunzaki, was stopped from addressing a joint rally at Kyerero Health Centre II in Bukinda sub-county, Rukiga district, by a group of rowdy youth on Monday, July 7, 2025.

The rally, part of the ongoing joint campaigns organised by the Rukiga district NRM office ahead of party primaries, had drawn hundreds of supporters, local leaders, and NRM mobilisers eager to listen to the aspirants seeking to represent the district in the next Parliament.

The event started smoothly earlier in the day with a rally at Nyakasiru Primary School playground, where candidates presented their manifestos and outlined their visions for the district. Among the leading aspirants are Patrick Kiconco Katabazi, a lawyer and economist with grassroots support and Alex Magezi Kanuga, a relatively new entrant to the political scene who is also gathering momentum.

Other contestants, include Captain Damson Christmas Kivumba and former Rukiga LC5 chairperson Dr Alexander Kampikaho. The woman MP race features former National Water and Sewerage Corporation deputy managing Director Dr Sylvia Alinaitwe and incumbent Caroline Kamusiime Muhwezi. Kamusiime, however, is not taking part in the Joint campaigns. LC5 chairperson contestants are also part of the campaign programmes.

NRM Registrar Yaryakumanyi Selubowa Twaha suspending the joint campaigns as Kanuga looks on following the controversy. (Photo by Job Namanya)

By afternoon, the campaign caravan had moved to Kyerero Health Centre II where voters from Kyerero and Karorwa parishes had gathered. The area is known for being a political hotspot in Bukinda sub-county. What was expected to be another orderly display of democracy took an unexpected turn when Kanuga, one of the aspirants, invited the former minister Kabafunzaki to campaign for him.

Kabafunzaki, once Rukiga County MP, is a known figure in local politics. Though no longer actively contesting, his political influence, whether for good or bad remains felt. Having previously appeared with Kanuga at a rally in Kamwezi sub-county, where he was not disturbed, it was assumed that his presence in Bukinda would also draw support. But that was far from the reality on the ground.

How the drama unfolded

The rally was moderated by Rukiga District NRM Registrar Yaryakumanyi Selubowa Twaha, who also served as the emcee. After the official introductions and speeches from other contestants, Twaha invited Kanuga to speak to the crowd. Kanuga, instead of launching directly into his speech, chose to invite Kabafunzaki to the podium to speak on his behalf and rally support.

The moment Kabafunzaki stepped forward, murmurs began to spread through the crowd. What started as a few scattered jeers quickly turned into loud chants and booing. Kabafunzaki, visibly surprised by the hostile reception, attempted to plead with the crowd for calm, asking for a chance to speak. But the crowd grew louder, some waving their hands dismissively, others turning their backs or shouting in protest.

According to our reporter who witnessed the scene, several supporters openly accused Kabafunzaki of failing them during his time in office, alleging broken promises and neglect. Some shouted that the rally was meant for the candidates alone and not for "failed politicians seeking relevance." Attempts by Kabafunzaki to continue were futile as the crowd’s resistance intensified.

Sensing the mounting tension, the other aspirants approached Twaha, questioning the decision to allow a non-candidate to campaign during joint rallies, which had been designed to give equal opportunity to all aspirants.

Twaha promptly took back the microphone and addressed the gathering.

“These joint campaigns are for aspirants. It is not right for any candidate to bring in a person who is not in the race to campaign,” he stated. He asked Kabafunzaki to step down and allowed Kanuga to resume his speech.

However, when Kanuga took the stage again and attempted to defend his decision to invite the former minister, mentioning Kabafunzaki’s name once more, the crowd erupted in boos. The jeering drowned out his voice and forced him to stop mid-sentence.

Calm restored, briefly

In a bid to calm the situation, Twaha invited Dr. Sylvia Alianaitwe, the only female aspirant present, to speak. Unlike her male counterparts, Dr Alianaitwe was received with applause and listened to with respect. Her speech focused on unity, service delivery, and the empowerment of women and youth—issues that resonated strongly with the audience.

Her calm demeanour and inclusive message appeared to cool the crowd’s temper, and for a moment, it seemed that the rally could proceed smoothly. Believing the audience had settled, Twaha once again invited Kanuga to complete his earlier remarks.

But the moment Kanuga stepped forward, the noise resumed. The crowd ignored him, some walking away, others chanting slogans in favour of other candidates. Realizing that control of the event had been lost, Twaha made the difficult decision to suspend the day’s rally.

Chaos escalates after suspension

Even after the campaign rally was officially called off, tensions continued to rise. Supporters of the two main contenders, Katabazi and Kanuga began engaging in verbal confrontations. Accusations of intimidation were traded. Slogans, chants, and counterchants filled the air, creating a volatile atmosphere.

The situation quickly spiralled out of control, prompting police to deploy anti-riot officers. Teargas canisters were fired into the crowd, along with live bullets into the air, to disperse the agitated supporters.

But instead of fleeing, many in the crowd began cheering their respective candidates amid the smoke and confusion. Supporters lifted banners, danced, and continued to shout in defiance. The dramatic standoff only ended when police escorted Kanuga out of the venue under tight security.

Local authorities condemned the incident, describing it as a sign of increasing polarization and political intolerance in the district.

What next for the NRM in Rukiga?

The incident has raised questions about the management of joint campaigns and the role of party elders and former leaders in the ongoing political processes. While Kabafunzaki’s intentions may have been to offer support, the overwhelming rejection he faced reflects lingering public dissatisfaction with his past leadership.

Political analysts say the events in Bukinda highlight deeper undercurrents of resentment and mistrust among voters, especially in areas where development promises have gone unfulfilled.

As the NRM flagbearer race in Rukiga intensifies, party officials will now have to rethink their strategy for ensuring fair, peaceful, and organised campaigns. With tensions running high and public sentiment volatile, more security and coordination will likely be required to avoid a repeat of the Bukinda chaos.

Despite Monday’s disruptions, the campaigns are expected to continue in other sub-counties. All eyes are now on how candidates will regroup and whether the party will issue new guidelines to prevent similar incidents in future rallies.