Chaos broke out at Kiwangala Playground in Kisekka Sub-county, Lwengo District on Sunday evening after a confrontation between Bukoto South Member of Parliament Twaha Kagabo and Muhammad Muyanja Mbabaali, during a Buganda-for-Museveni campaign rally.
The incident unfolded as Mawogola West MP Anifa Kawooya took the microphone to introduce Kagabo, who is seeking re-election as an independent candidate.
Mbabaali, who was addressing journalists nearby, rushed to the podium, grabbed the microphone and disrupted the programme.
Mbabaali objected to Kagabo’s introduction, arguing that Kagabo is a registered National Resistance Movement (NRM) member and questioning why an independent candidate was being presented at an NRM event. Heated words followed before Mbabaali slapped Kagabo.
Kagabo attempted to retaliate but was restrained by security personnel and party members as tensions escalated. Kawooya was later seen trying to calm Kagabo amid growing agitation at the venue.
Addressing the incident later, Kawooya said NRM supporters had previously welcomed Kagabo after his departure from the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), despite his reported association with the first son Gen Muhoozi Kaierugaba-led Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU).
She questioned why he was being sidelined at the rally, adding that she personally had no issue with him, even as an independent candidate.
The confrontation came against the backdrop of an earlier dispute in Ssembabule District, where Kawooya reportedly clashed with former foreign affairs minister Sam Kutesa over alleged support for independent candidates, accusing him of undermining NRM cardholders.
During the chaos in Lwengo, Kagabo was briefly seen dancing, apparently in an attempt to defuse the situation.
The move, however, further angered Mbabaali, leading to renewed physical confrontation. Kagabo was also seen attempting to kick Mbabaali before security intervened again.
Lwengo District Police Commander Richard Asiimwe stepped in and escorted Kagabo out of the venue to protect him from an increasingly hostile crowd of NRM supporters.
Lwengo Woman MP Cissy Namujju Dionizia condemned the disruption, questioning the motive behind the incident and alleging it was intended to weaken NRM support in the district. She also questioned why Kagabo attended the rally while contesting as an independent.
NRM National Vice Chairperson Moses Kigongo, the chief guest at the event, condemned individuals he said masquerade as party members only to disrupt party activities. He warned voters against supporting what he termed ‘troublemakers’ and urged residents to vote strictly for NRM candidates, describing independents as ‘self-seekers.’
NRM chief whip for Buganda region Robert Migadde acknowledged that similar incidents have occurred during the Buganda-for-Museveni campaign but said party leaders are working to resolve internal disagreements.
Deputy NRM Chairperson for Buganda Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo called for unity and condemned what he described as misinformation aimed at dividing party supporters.
Uganda will hold its presidential and parliamentary elections on January 15, 2026.