KAKUMIRO, UGANDA — A tense atmosphere gripped Kakumiro District on Tuesday during the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries, culminating in an unexpected incident where Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja was reportedly slapped while attempting to intervene in chaotic scenes.
The turmoil broke out at one of the polling stations in Nabbanja’s home district, as rival camps clashed over alleged irregularities, including vote rigging and voter bribery. According to eyewitnesses, violence erupted when accusations were hurled between supporters, quickly spiraling out of control.
In an effort to restore calm, Prime Minister Nabbanja reportedly stepped into the fray — only to be physically assaulted by an unidentified female supporter during the melee. The woman is said to have slapped the Prime Minister before being subdued by security personnel.
The shocking incident has drawn nationwide attention, particularly given Nabbanja’s high-ranking position within both the party and government. Local NRM leaders in Kakumiro confirmed the outbreak of violence and expressed deep concern over what they called “growing indiscipline and lawlessness” among party grassroots supporters.
“It’s unfortunate that our own members are resorting to such unacceptable behavior. The party must urgently address this growing culture of intolerance and chaos,” a local NRM leader, who preferred anonymity, stated.
Security forces later intervened to quell the violence and restore order at the polling station. It remains unclear whether arrests were made in connection to the assault.
Observers say the fracas in Kakumiro reflects wider tensions and dissatisfaction within the NRM’s internal electoral process, especially as the 2026 general elections draw closer. The party has recently faced criticism for poor primary organization, favoritism, and a lack of internal democracy.
As of now, official communication from the Prime Minister’s Office or the NRM Secretariat is yet to be released regarding the incident.
