Mbarara City, Uganda – Tensions in the upcoming 2026 Mbarara City Woman MP race boiled over on Sunday morning, April 13, when violent clashes erupted between rival political supporters during the annual Qadh Run at Global High School grounds.
The charity event, organized by the Mbarara Muslim Supreme Council to raise UGX 250 million for the establishment of a Muslim-based radio station, was disrupted when supporters of Charity Kamuhanda Kibaaju, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate, allegedly confronted incumbent MP Ritah Atukwatsa Bwahika, who was attending as the guest of honor.
Eyewitnesses reported that the confrontation quickly escalated, prompting retaliation from MP Bwahika’s supporters and resulting in a scuffle that shattered the peaceful atmosphere of the run.
In response, MP Ritah Bwahika strongly condemned the violence, emphasizing Mbarara City’s long-standing tradition of peaceful elections.
“Violence has no place in our politics,” she said.
Charity Kamuhanda Kibaaju also addressed the incident, expressing regret over her supporters’ actions and pledging to enforce discipline throughout her campaign.
As of now, no arrests have been made, and it remains unclear whether authorities have launched an official investigation into the incident.
