KISORO DISTRICT, Uganda – The highly anticipated National Resistance Movement (NRM) primary elections, slated for Thursday, July 17, 2025, have been marred by a violent clash in Bufumbira South.
On Monday, July 14, 2025, the final day of joint campaign rallies, supporters of parliamentary aspirant Sam K. Bitangaro and incumbent MP Alex Niyonsaba Seruganda engaged in a violent confrontation that left several individuals hospitalized and others arrested.
The planned conclusion of the campaigns, scheduled across three venues – Chahi Subcounty Headquarters, Nyakabingo Primary School, and Muganza Kwangenge – devolved into chaos shortly after the first gathering commenced.
Eyewitnesses reported that the violence ignited at Chahi Subcounty Headquarters when supporters of Bitangaro directly confronted those aligned with Seruganda. Authorities, led by the Uganda Police Force, were forced to prematurely end the event and proceed to the second venue.
However, en route to Nyakabingo Primary School, tensions escalated further. Supporters of Sam Bitangaro, allegedly gathered at Iryaruhuri Trading Centre, began pelting Seruganda’s convoy with stones and sticks. The assault resulted in damage to five vehicles, including an ambulance.
Several individuals sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby health facilities, including Mutolere and Kisoro Hospitals, for urgent medical attention.
Security forces, comprising the Uganda Police Force (UPF) and the Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF), swiftly responded to disperse the crowds by firing warning shots. More than three suspects were arrested, though their identities were withheld for security reasons. As of press time, the damaged vehicles were impounded at Kisoro Central Police Station.
Hagumimana Valence, the Kisoro District Assistant Resident District Commissioner, strongly condemned the violence and immediately suspended all remaining campaign activities in Bufumbira South, citing concerns for public safety.
Niwamanya Ben Kashumbusha, the District Police Commander, confirmed the incident and announced that investigations are ongoing. He issued a stern warning that those found responsible for the violence will be held accountable. Niwamanya also cautioned politicians and their supporters to refrain from political violence, emphasizing that heightened security measures will be enforced at any future political gatherings.
For a long time, politics in Bufumbira South has been characterized by chaos and hostility, particularly among rival supporters, with campaign seasons often turning violent. However, the current political climate has significantly worsened due to the escalating power struggle between incumbent MP Alex Niyonsaba Seruganda and former legislator Sam Kwizera Bitangaro.
Despite the constituency having five parliamentary aspirants – Mujanama Barnabas, Kwiringira Derick, Alex Niyonsaba Seruganda, Sam K. Bitangaro, and Phionah Kampire – the political arena has become almost entirely dominated by the fierce rivalry between Seruganda and Bitangaro. Supporters of the other candidates are frequently accused of being covert allies of either of the two major contenders, deepening division and mistrust.
The tension is further inflamed by rival campaign slogans. Supporters of Seruganda rally under “Team Dukomeje,” a phrase symbolizing continuity and their determination to secure another term for the incumbent. On the other side, Bitangaro’s followers operate under “Team Kuvugurura,” a slogan that promises reform and correction of the incumbent’s alleged failures.
The political unrest is no longer confined to Bufumbira South. It has reportedly spread across other constituencies in Kisoro District, including Kisoro Municipality and Bukimbiri County, where violence and intimidation are increasingly reported.
In Kisoro Municipality, voters are voicing concerns about rising insecurity during rallies. Political gatherings, instead of serving as platforms for policy debates, have become hotspots for verbal altercations and, in some cases, physical confrontations.
The conflict primarily involves supporters of aspirants Sam Byibesho, Emmanuel Maniraguha, and Dr. Leo Mfitimana. Rival groups have even established youth militias, often referred to as “foot soldiers,” who are frequently seen in yellow overalls branded with campaign posters. While these groups claim to offer security, local residents believe they are exacerbating tensions.
Many local residents blame much of the chaos on the involvement of non-local security personnel and the hiring of external supporters, some even from outside Kisoro District, which is seen as destabilizing the traditionally peaceful campaign environment.
In Bukimbiri County, a similar situation is unfolding. Although both aspirants, Asigario Turyagyenda and incumbent Eddie Kwizera Wa Gahungu, have publicly pledged to run peaceful campaigns, their rivalry has been marred by personal attacks and public exposure of each other’s perceived weaknesses. This was evident even during their first rally held on Monday, July 15, 2025, in Nyabwishenya Sub-county.
Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abas Byakagaba has urged political actors to maintain peace and adhere to campaign guidelines. Speaking during a meeting held at Rukungiri District Council Hall on the evening of July 11, 2025, the IGP warned that security forces will not tolerate violence during the upcoming NRM party primary elections. He emphasized the critical importance of following the NRM Electoral Commission’s guidelines to ensure free and fair elections.
