An unspecified number of people were left injured, and others were soaked after a strong rainstorm disrupted a campaign rally organised by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders in Namutumba District, tearing down tents under which attendees had sought shelter.
The incident happened shortly after the First Deputy Prime Minister, Ms Rebecca Kadaga and State Minister for Lands Ms Persis Namuganza, arrived at the rally venue.
The unexpected rainstorm sparked speculations among some of the superstitious attendees who were overheard giving their own interpretations of what they had witnessed.
Mr Peter Nduga, a resident of Kamudole ward, Ivukula Sub County claimed Ms Kadaga’s ancestral spirits were trying to warn her against campaigning for President Museveni, citing his alleged role in undermining her during the NRM CEC elections in which she lost the female vice chairperson seat to Speaker of Parliament, Ms Anita Among.
“She’s been in leadership for years, campaigning for Museveni, but this has never happened to her. Her ancestors and Busoga’s spiritual spirits from Igenge and Kamuli were annoyed with Kadaga. She even forgot to sing Busoga’s Anthem,” Mr Nduga said.
Ms Kadaga and Ms Namuganza organised the rally to mobilise Namutumba residents to welcome President Museveni, who is scheduled to campaign in the district on November 15 as he seeks retain power in the 2026 General Election.
Mr Solomon Kaswabuli, Namutumba District National Unity Platform (NUP) spokesperson, believes the incident was a sign of Museveni’s impending downfall, claiming it’s an unprecedented event in Uganda’s history.
According to Mr Kaswabuli, the event was dramatic, with accusations that Kadaga is again doing a disservice to Ugandans and Basoga by campaigning for Mr Museveni’s re-election, echoing concerns about her role in removing the presidential age limit as former Speaker.
“Mama Kadaga removed the age limit, now we’re stuck with an 80-year-old candidate. She’s quick to switch sides, saying Museveni’s bad when he opposed her on the NRM CEC post, but now she’s all about him. To me, she’s a hypocrite and a problem for Busoga,” Mr Kaswabuli said.
The rainstorm damaged the Master of the Ceremony’s stage, tents, and equipment, but spared buildings and crops, leaving many wondering about the significance of the incident.
Some spectators compared it to the whirlwind at former Speaker Jacob Oulanyah’s burial ceremony, suggesting it’s a sign of spiritual unrest, and that the ancestors’ spirits are not to be taken lightly.
Ms Kadaga, speaking after the storm, apologized to the people of Busoga and urged them to forget what happened during the NRM CEC elections, asking for their support for President Museveni’s re-election.
“I know what happened affected you and me too, but let’s leave that behind and support NRM. I’ve come to tell you we still need the NRM and President Museveni for this country’s development,” she said.
Ms Kadaga mobilized NRM flag bearers and independent candidates to campaign for President Museveni who has been in power since 1986.
“It’s not just NRM flag bearers who should campaign for President Museveni, even independents can do so,” Kadaga said.
Ms Namuganza said the Bakono are ready to support and vote for President Museveni, but they want him to grant them Bukono District.
“We want our own Bukono District because we’re not getting the services we need in our current district,” Ms Namuganza said.