Tension gripped Busia District on Saturday after a violent confrontation between supporters of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the National Unity Platform (NUP) left four people injured.
The incident took place at Bwaniha Trading Centre in Busime Sub-county during a campaign rally for Julius Maganda Wandera, an NRM candidate contesting for the Samia Bugwe South parliamentary seat.
Witnesses said the rally was initially peaceful until a group of NUP supporters, reportedly linked to candidate Freddy Egesa Achoka, arrived at the venue. The group was accused of playing loud music and attempting to drive through the gathering, sparking chaos.
According to Andrew Juma, an NRM supporter who sustained injuries, the NUP team began throwing stones, prompting a fight between the rival groups. “I went to ask Achoka why his supporters were causing chaos, but he hit me with a stick,” Juma claimed while receiving treatment for a deep cut on his face.
Victor Odwori, Maganda’s campaign agent, also blamed the NUP team for provocation, saying Achoka’s convoy tried to force its way through the crowd, knocking people down in the process.
However, Achoka denied the accusations, insisting that his team was attacked while returning from his nomination. “We were heading home peacefully when NRM supporters attacked us. My car was damaged, and several of my people were injured,” he said.
The violence left three NRM supporters and one NUP supporter injured. Among them was Hillary Ojambo, who said he was cut with a panga during the fight and later beaten by police while being detained.
Busia District Police Commander Peter Mugabi confirmed the incident, saying investigations were ongoing. “We have recorded statements from three individuals so far. We call for calm and urge all candidates and their supporters to avoid violence during this campaign period,” Mugabi said.
NRM’s district publicist, John Obuli, accused Achoka of attacking police officers during the scuffle, a claim Achoka strongly denied, calling it a political smear.
NUP’s district woman MP candidate, Phanice Mary Akello, said police were unfairly targeting their supporters. “Our people are being harassed and blamed for incidents they did not cause,” she said.
Observers in Busia say tensions had been building between the two camps even before nominations, with both sides accusing each other of intimidation.
As the campaigns continue, police have urged all political parties to conduct peaceful rallies and warned that those who engage in violence will face arrest and prosecution.
