Tensions flared in Kashari North on Thursday when area Member of Parliament Basil Bataringaya was ordered out of an NRM flagbearers’ meeting held at Munyonyi Primary School in Kashongi Sub-county.
NRM district registrar Rodgers Mugisha said Bataringaya had no right to attend the gathering because he is contesting as an independent candidate.
“Honourable Bataringaya cannot be part of this meeting because he is standing as an independent. This meeting is strictly for NRM flag bearers,” Mugisha said as he directed the MP to leave the venue.
Bataringaya, who lost the NRM primaries to Patrick Musinguzi, was later nominated as an independent candidate. Despite this, he insists he remains loyal to the NRM.
“I am still NRM at heart. This meeting is happening in my constituency, and I have every right to attend,” Bataringaya said after being asked to leave.
He added that he is actively promoting the party’s presidential candidate.
“I am in the area rallying support for President Yoweri Museveni, and that should not disqualify me from attending NRM activities,” he said.
The incident underscores ongoing political tensions in Kashari North as the region moves deeper into the campaign season.
