BY FRED MUZAALE
A campaign rally for Kayunga District Woman MP and former ICT State Minister Ida Erios Nantaba turned chaotic when her Special Forces Command (SFC) guards allegedly assaulted residents who questioned her stance on land wrangles in the district.
The incident occurred at Tweyagalire Village in Kitimbwa Sub-county, where Nantaba was holding a campaign meeting. Tensions reportedly escalated when a section of residents accused the legislator of “using unresolved land eviction disputes as bait to solicit votes.”
“As some people protested her persistent references to land issues without offering solutions, the guards got infuriated and started beating up those they believed were trying to disrupt the rally,” an eyewitness said.
The SFC soldiers allegedly used electric wires to whip residents, triggering a stampede as people ran for safety.
At least four people were seriously injured, including 27-year-old barber Tonny Okiria, Bernard Etyawo, and two unidentified women. They were rushed to Kitimbwa Health Centre for emergency treatment.
Mr Okiria sustained deep cuts on the head and chest. “We went to attend the rally and ask her questions, only to be beaten by her soldiers,” Okiria said after receiving treatment.
Mr Etyawo demanded President Museveni’s intervention, accusing Nantaba of misusing the soldiers assigned to her. “Why beat someone who simply wants clarification?” he asked.
The victims later reported the assault at Kayunga Central Police Station.
Despite repeated attempts, Nantaba declined to comment. However, one of her campaign agents—who asked not to be named—claimed that some residents had pelted stones at the SFC officers, provoking the violent response.
“We have information that a politician in the district paid people to destabilize our rally,” the agent alleged. “If anyone comes to cause chaos, we shall deal with them.”
Police Confirm Incident, Launch Inquiry
Kayunga District Police Commander Hussein Mugarura confirmed that police had received a report of the violence but referred inquiries to the Ssezibwa Region Police Spokesperson, Hellen Butoto.
Butoto said she was still gathering details about the incident. She issued an official statement later, explaining that three victims—Tonny Okiria, Odele Musa, and Benard Etiau—were allegedly assaulted by two of Nantaba’s bodyguards following a stone-throwing incident. The victims were briefly detained and later released.
A police officer at Kitimbwa Police Post said they responded swiftly to stop the fight, warning that law enforcement “will not tolerate hooliganism during campaigns.”
Not the First Incident
Thursday’s violence comes just days after another incident on Tuesday, when Francis Ntambi, the former Kitimbwa Sub-county Speaker, was beaten during Nantaba’s rally in Kayonza Sub-county. The circumstances surrounding that attack remain unclear.
Kayunga Resident District Commissioner Mariam Seguya condemned the growing hostility in the district’s campaigns.
“We want peaceful campaigns, and anyone who promotes violence will be stopped and prosecuted,” she warned.
A Heated Race
Nantaba, who is seeking a fourth term, faces stiff competition from: Jacklyn Birungi (NRM) – daughter of businessman and political rival Moses Karangwa, Harriet Nakwedde (NUP), Agatha Nalubwama and Margaret Nabirye.
As campaigns intensify, concerns continue to grow over the increasing involvement of security personnel in political activities and the potential escalation of violence ahead of the elections.
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