Museveni moves to heal Kasambya campaign wounds after violent race

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President Yoweri Museveni has moved to calm political tensions in Mubende district-based Kasambya Constituency, ordering reconciliation talks and compensation for victims of campaign-related violence that erupted during the hotly contested parliamentary race.

The intervention follows a series of clashes between supporters of incumbent Member of Parliament David Kabanda and rival aspirant Henry Muhumuza, which left property destroyed and several people injured during the election season.

Acting on the President’s directive, Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa facilitated a three-day mediation process involving leaders and representatives from the two political camps.

Tayebwa said he was contacted directly by the President after authorities received multiple petitions highlighting the violent incidents that characterised the campaign period. The President had earlier engaged some of the affected groups at his Rwakitura country residence before ordering a deeper investigation into the matter.

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa facilitated a three-day mediation process involving incumbent Member of Parliament David Kabanda and rival aspirant Henry Muhumuza and representatives from the two political camps. (Courtesy photo)

Following the investigation, the leadership resolved to prioritise reconciliation over prolonged dispute handling.

“I was asked to call the groups from Kasambya and talk to them because the President had received petitions regarding what happened during the campaign,” Tayebwa said.

He explained that the mediation process began with separate engagements with the Kabanda and Muhumuza camps before a joint meeting was convened on March 4, 2026, at his residence in Kigo, Wakiso district. The talks were intentionally held away from Kasambya to avoid triggering further tension among residents.

“We are on the ground and in the right direction. We did not want to cause more excitement in the village,” he said, noting that the objective was to bring together key leaders rather than widen community divisions.

Tayebwa said the three-day dialogue culminated in a consensus to promote peace, unity and development in the constituency. He added that both sides had agreed to work under the broader party framework and focus on rebuilding trust among supporters.

Kabanda expressed appreciation for the presidential intervention, describing it as a demonstration of commitment to reconciliation within the political movement. He also acknowledged that the violence affected not only candidates but also ordinary supporters, particularly in some sub-counties that bore the brunt of the clashes.

He pledged continued cooperation with his political rival, stressing that campaign disagreements should not translate into long-term hostility.

Muhumuza also welcomed the mediation, thanking the President and the Deputy Speaker for facilitating dialogue. He said the campaign violence had hurt community members and called for compensation for those who suffered losses during the disturbances.