Election violence has become rampant as general campaigns draw near
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Residents of Bwamba County in Bundibugyo District are in disbelief as the NRM primaries to choose the party’s candidate for the upcoming 2026 general elections have been rocked with alleged witchcraft and surbotage.
The grapevine has it that one of the candidates unexpectedly lost his voice during a rally.
He was quickly taken to the hospital and is now in the ICU at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi. A source familiar with the situation stated that the incident occurred after another aspirant made a speech.
“A stranger approached, sprayed the microphone with an unknown substance and disappeared. When the affected candidate began to speak, he fell unconscious,” said the source on condition of anonymity.
Incidents of violence during the NRM elections have escalated, with numerous reports of aggression. In several cases, individuals have lost their lives, such as in Lwemiyaga, Sembabule district, where supporters of the incumbent Hon Theodore Ssekikubo and Gen Rwashande clashed.
In Isingiro, vehicles were set ablaze and several individuals were injured during the campaign.
While distributing nomination forms to various candidates, NRM Electoral Commission chairman Tanga Odoi cautioned against the use of violence.
He pointed out that the occurrences signal a troubling trend as the general elections set for 2026 approach.
With general campaigning expected to begin in a few months, there are concerns that electoral violence could escalate. For instance, the violence and insecurity witnessed during the Kawempe North by-election raise serious concerns about the state of democracy in Uganda.
