NRM Supporters Clash with Police in Namutumba Over Chairperson Election Dispute

Namutumba Town was engulfed in chaos early Thursday morning as police fired tear gas and warning shots to disperse National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporters protesting against the party’s Electoral Commission, led by Tanga Odoi.

The demonstrators were demanding that Simon Menya be officially declared the winner of the Namutumba district chairperson race.

Protesters blocked all major roads into Namutumba, bringing transport to a standstill and forcing businesses to close temporarily.

Despite repeated pleas from police officers led by Namutumba District Police Commander Bashir Siriba to clear the roads, the crowd remained defiant, hurling insults and insisting on their right to protest.

Initial police efforts to calm the situation by firing warning shots in the air failed, prompting deployment of anti-riot squads who used tear gas to break up the crowds.

Protesters scattered in all directions as order was gradually restored.

The unrest followed the Electoral Commission’s decision to nullify the recent district chairperson election, citing widespread chaos during voting.

Supporters of Simon Menya, who reportedly defeated incumbent Woman MP Mariam Naigaga by 489 votes to 108, rejected the nullification and demanded Menya’s official declaration as chairperson.

“We know Naigaga is behind this,” said one protester, “but it is not Tanga Odoi or Naigaga who decides for us. We want our chairperson declared.”

Menya’s camp insists the election was free and fair, and they see no justification for a rerun.

The Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Paul Waiswa Bwenhibwamwiko, visited the scene but was quickly surrounded by angry protesters accusing him of incitement.

He later assured that efforts would be made to support those injured during the clashes.

DPC Bashir Siriba condemned the protesters’ tactics, emphasizing that blocking roads and damaging property is not a lawful way to express grievances.

“The demonstrators caused unnecessary disruption and damage to public property,” Siriba said, warning that future protests should adhere to legal frameworks.

As the situation cools, the NRM faces pressure to resolve the leadership dispute in Namutumba amid calls for transparency and respect for party processes.

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