Mawogola South Aspirant Vanishes Before Primaries
Mawogola South aspirant Denis Ddumba vanished just hours before the NRM parliamentary primaries, sparking panic and suspicion across Sembabule District. Witnesses last saw him around 2am on Thursday, shortly after unknown individuals allegedly raided his home under the cover of darkness.
Joseph Bukenya, head of Ddumba’s campaign team, described the frightening scene. He said they noticed torchlight movements outside. When they stepped out to investigate, a group ambushed them. During the chaos, Ddumba disappeared without a trace.
“All we want is our candidate back,” Bukenya said. “Let them take their cards if they want, but give us back our person.”
Abdul Shakul Mukalazi, Ddumba’s driver, confirmed they reported the incident to police immediately. However, he claimed the patrol team chased the suspects instead of securing the scene. This raised concerns about how the situation was handled.
Ddumba’s Team Demands Suspension of Voting
By morning, Ddumba’s team had gathered at the NRM offices in Sembabule Town. They demanded a halt to voting until authorities locate their candidate. Augustine Ddumba, his father, questioned the legitimacy of continuing the primaries.
“We are shocked that the elections are ongoing despite his disappearance,” he said. “How can people vote for someone who isn’t even present?”
Some campaigners accused rival aspirant Dez Byuuma of organizing the abduction. The allegations remain unverified. Attempts to reach Byuuma for comment failed, as his known phone numbers were switched off.
Deborah Alayo, the NRM district electoral supervisor, urged residents to remain calm. She said security teams are investigating and would decide the next steps based on their findings.
Rising Political Tension and Election Risks
The disappearance has heightened political tension in Mawogola South. The race is already fierce. Gorreth Namuga, the current MP under NUP, defeated the NRM’s incumbent in 2021. She is seeking re-election in January 2026.
Observers believe the chaos within the NRM could boost Namuga’s chances. Meanwhile, election materials were being distributed amid growing uncertainty. Many wondered whether the vote could proceed fairly.
This situation exposes deeper problems within Uganda’s party primaries. Rivalries are turning into dangerous confrontations. The failure to quickly respond to Ddumba’s disappearance has fueled public outrage.
Ugandans are calling for reforms that ensure safety, transparency, and fairness for all political candidates. With rising violence and weak crisis response, the integrity of the electoral process is in question.
Just days earlier, another incident rocked the NRM primaries in eastern Uganda. A supporter was shot dead, and a UPDF soldier was stoned into a coma. These events raise concerns as Uganda heads toward the 2026 general elections.
For more updates, read how Mukula and Oboth clashed over Eastern Region elections and the distribution of vehicles to cultural leaders. You can also follow the latest report on the Mawogola South chaos.
