PHOTOS: Scuffle as FDC’s Nandala faces roadblocks in Masindi during campaign trail

Masindi: A scuffle broke out on Thursday between security personnel and supporters of the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) as the party’s presidential flag bearer, Nathan Nandala Mafabi, attempted to access Masindi Town for a scheduled campaign rally.

According to the FDC’s campaign roadmap, Nandala was expected to address supporters at Nyantonzi Sub County, Kabango Town Council, Bulyango Primary School Playground, Booma Grounds, and later at Kyatiri Town Council, with a brief stopover in Alimugonza.

The campaign trail faced several setbacks. While en route to Nyantonzi, Nandala’s vehicle got stuck in mud, delaying the team.

Speaking to the media at the scene, Nandala criticized the poor state of upcountry roads and pledged that an FDC-led government would prioritize infrastructure development.

Despite the delay, the rallies in Nyantonzi, Kabango, and Bulyango proceeded peacefully. However, tension flared as the FDC team reached Kijura Trading Centre in the Central Division and attempted to proceed to Academy Road.

Security forces had barricaded major access routes to Masindi Town, prompting a confrontation as Nandala’s team forced their way through. Eventually, the team reached Commercial Street, where Nandala addressed a crowd of supporters.

In his address, Nandala pledged to tackle rural poverty, arguing that over 80% of Ugandans remain outside the formal economy due to systemic corruption and lack of grassroots economic investment.

His major campaign pledges included; UGX 100 million per village to support local economic initiatives, affordable motorcycles for boda boda riders at UGX 2 million, repayable over five years, equal pay for teachers across all regions and improved salaries and accommodation for health workers.

Joab Businge, Member of Parliament for Masindi Municipality, accused the current government of poor service delivery, citing issues like extortion in health centers and the collapse of cooperative societies. He reaffirmed FDC’s commitment to restoring public services.

Keren Asiimwe Nottie, the FDC flag bearer for Masindi District Woman MP, promised to prioritize youth skilling programs aimed at addressing high unemployment among young people.

After the rally, the FDC team officially opened a new party office in Kirasa Cell, where Nandala condemned the security forces’ actions, calling them “unjustified” and “undemocratic.”

“These actions undermine the principles of fair political competition,” Nandala stated, assuring the public that the matter would be pursued through appropriate legal and political channels.

The FDC campaign moved to Kiryandongo District as the party continues its mobilization efforts ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Police ban campaigns in public spaces

Following the scuffle, the Albertine North Regional Police issued a warning to all political actors, banning campaign rallies in public areas such as markets, hospitals, and roads.

ASP Solomon Mugisa, the Regional Community Liaison Officer, stated that these restrictions aim to protect public property and maintain peace and order throughout the election period.

“We are ready to ensure peace during the campaigns, but we call for cooperation from all candidates and supporters,” Mugisa said during an interview on Friday.

He warned supporters against engaging in violence and cautioned candidates against threatening, attacking, or blackmailing their rivals, urging them instead to focus on policy-driven campaigns.

However, Fredrick Banage, the FDC District Chairperson for Masindi, criticized the directive, insisting that their candidate has a constitutional right to campaign in any part of the country.

Mugisa urged all politicians to strictly adhere to Electoral Commission guidelines, adding that non-compliance would attract legal consequences.

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