Scuffle erupts at UPDF project commissioning in Kabale's Ndorwa West

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What began as a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) exercise to commission development projects in the Kigezi region's Kabale district ahead of the 45th Tarehe Sita celebrations took a dramatic turn in Ndorwa County West, where violence was reported against National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporters and journalists.

Tarehe Sita, marked every February 6, commemorates the start of the National Resistance Army’s (NRA) guerrilla war in 1981 following the attack on Kabamba Barracks, a five-year liberation struggle that eventually brought President Yoweri Museveni to power. This year, Kabale was selected to host the national celebrations, prompting the UPDF to roll out a series of community projects across the region.

Earlier in the day, a UPDF team, led by senior political commissar Maj. Gen. Henry Matsiko, who represented Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, commissioned several projects in Kabale municipality, including a stair footpath linking Kabale Regional Referral Hospital to the Post Office area and a public latrine at Bugongi Market.

However, tensions escalated during the commissioning of a two-classroom block constructed by the army at Kanyankwanzi Primary School in Bukora parish, Kitumba sub-county in Ndorwa County West.

The function, officiated by trade state minister David Bahati, who represented defence minister Jacob Oboth Oboth, reportedly turned political, with supporters carrying posters, chanting slogans and singing praises of Bahati.

However, supporters of Eliab Naturinda Mporera, the NRM flag-bearer for the Ndorwa County West Member of Parliament seat, complained that the event had been transformed into a political rally, overshadowing the intended purpose of commissioning the project.

Addressing the gathering, Matsiko thanked residents for their warm reception but cautioned against politicising a UPDF and defence ministry function.

When Bahati took to the podium, he allegedly used the opportunity to campaign, claiming he was unfairly treated during the recently concluded NRM primaries, remarks that further heightened tensions. Despite the unease, the classroom block was officially commissioned and handed over to Kanyankwanzi Primary School authorities.

The army delegation later proceeded to Kahungye sub-county to commission the Habuhinga–Kasiru Bridge. However, while the convoy was en route, reports emerged that NRM supporters, particularly those backing Mporera, were being harassed and assaulted by both uniformed and non-uniformed security personnel.

According to witnesses, the violence was linked to individuals allegedly attached to Minister Bahati’s security detail. At Mukabaya trading centre near the bridge commissioning venue, a vehicle with registration number UG 2614C, was reportedly found parked with masked men, some armed with sticks and guns, blocking access to the site.

Supporters of Mporera claimed they were prevented from accessing the venue, beaten and in some cases knocked down by vehicles. It was further alleged that trucks were ferrying supporters of Bahati from different areas to bolster attendance at the function.

When Mporera attempted to intervene and question why his supporters were being assaulted, he was reportedly blocked for several minutes by security personnel who insisted his supporters were not permitted to follow him.

Journalists covering the incident were not spared. Kigezi TV reporter Nobert Ndyamuhakyi was slapped and grabbed by the neck while documenting the chaos. Vision Group journalist Nelson Ahimbisibwe was also reportedly assaulted, with his equipment temporarily confiscated by masked officers.

Residents said at least 15 NRM supporters sustained injuries during the clashes. Among them was Asaph, the chairperson of the Rubaya trading centre bodaboda stage, who was found barefoot with torn trousers and visible injuries. He alleged that his motorcycle and money were confiscated by security.

Other victims, including Muhereza William and Onesmus Ainembabazi, said they were beaten without provocation, attributing the attack to their perceived support for Mporera. Vincent Arinaitwe, another bodaboda rider, claimed he lost his mobile phone and motorcycle keys after being assaulted by security personnel attached to the minister’s convoy.

Addressing the gathering in Kahungye, Matsiko warned security personnel against harassing civilians, stressing that those who break the law would face consequences. However, Bahati expressed surprise when residents openly accused his security detail of beating up people. 

Later in the evening, addressing supporters at a separate rally, Mporera condemned the violence, urging his supporters to remain calm, and called for revenge through the ballot box, pledging to restore unity and co-operation in the constituency.

This year’s Tarehe Sita celebrations are being held under the theme: Defending the Gains of the Revolution and honouring the sacrifices of the freedom fighters: A call for National Unity, Peace and Socio-Economic Transformation.