Standoff as Rubaga South MP Mukasa Aloysius and NUP Spokesperson Waiswa Mufumbiro Confront Police During Balimwezo Nomination Rally
A tense standoff unfolded in Bwaise on Thursday when Rubaga South Member of Parliament Mukasa Aloysius and National Unity Platform (NUP) spokesperson Waiswa Mufumbiro confronted police officers who had blocked the procession of Ronald Balimwezo following his nomination as Kampala Lord Mayor by the Electoral Commission.
The incident occurred as supporters gathered to escort Balimwezo from the nomination center to his campaign headquarters. Police attempted to disperse the procession, citing security concerns and breach of guidelines, sparking a heated exchange with the opposition leaders.
Eyewitnesses reported that MP Mukasa and Mufumbiro stood firm against what they described as unlawful obstruction, demanding that police allow the candidate to proceed to headquarters and address his supporters.
After several minutes of confrontation, the group was eventually allowed to proceed, with Balimwezo later delivering his maiden post nomination speech at the headquarters.
In his remarks, Mukasa condemned what he termed "state intimidation of peaceful opposition activities," warning that continued police interference undermines democratic participation. "The Electoral Commission clears candidates to engage with voters, yet the police continue to frustrate our peaceful gatherings. This must stop," he said.
Balimwezo, who is seeking to reclaim political leadership in Kampala, used the platform to rally his supporters, promising a campaign focused on accountability, service delivery, and defending the rights of ordinary city dwellers.
The NUP leadership, through its spokesperson Mufumbiro, echoed Mukasa’s concerns, accusing security agencies of selective enforcement of the law against opposition candidates.
The standoff underscores growing tensions between opposition groups and security forces as the political season gains momentum in Kampala. With the Lord Mayor’s race expected to be hotly contested, observers warn that such confrontations could escalate if not carefully managed.
