Kampala streets were gridlocked on Wednesday as parliamentary candidates thronged Electoral Commission offices for nomination, drawing large crowds of supporters waving party colours and chanting slogans.
Police maintained order throughout the day, stepping in mainly to regulate traffic. However, celebrations by some ruling NRM supporters backing Minister Minsa Kabanda turned chaotic at Nakivubo Blue Stadium, where scuffles broke out during her post-nomination event.
Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi attracted thousands of supporters at his Nakawa home before heading to the nomination centre to retain his Nakawa West seat.
Dressed in red and chanting, “Ssenyonyi is still the people’s choice,” his supporters, mostly on motorcycles, escorted him through Kyanja and Kisaasi to the city centre, contributing to heavy traffic.
Ssenyonyi thanked his supporters and vowed to serve with integrity, saying, “Together, we continue this journey for accountability and change.”
In Kira Municipality, Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) drew hundreds of supporters who blocked roads en route to Bukasa.
“I return to ask for your mandate once more — not for power, but for service,” he told the crowd, as loyalists lit blue smoke and distributed campaign T-shirts. NUP’s George Musisi also attracted supporters while seeking the Kira seat.
Boxer-turned-politician Moses Muhangi chose to walk with his campaign team to the Kampala Central nomination centre.
“I believe in walking with my people — literally. We’ve come this far together, and that’s how we move forward,” he said.
In Kawempe North, MP Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola celebrated his nomination at his father’s home in Kirokole, with hundreds showing support.
Meanwhile, Kabanda’s post-nomination event at Nakivubo Blue Stadium descended into chaos as supporters jostled for space.
She promised to focus on city residents’ welfare if re-elected, saying, “I will wipe away the years of suffering that our people in the city have endured.”
Despite isolated scuffles, police ensured that most nomination activities across Kampala proceeded peacefully.