NRM leaders in Mubende District have expressed outrage over the arrest of the NUP chairperson in Mubende, Pafuladito Kyeyune, by the Special Forces Command (SFC) on Thursday.
Kyeyune was accused of driving a car branded with NUP posters during President Museveni’s visit to the district.
Sheif Magezi Nsereko, the NRM Secretary for Mubende District, said the arrest was a blow to the ruling party and seemed targeted at sitting leaders while potentially reviving NUP support in the area.
"I condemn the arrest of Mr. Kyeyune Pafuladito because many people are going to sympathize with him and vote for him in the coming elections," said Magezi.
"We urge security to release him. If not, NRM is likely to lose in the upcoming elections," he added.
Magezi further noted that NUP’s support in the district should not be underestimated, saying that people are silent but waiting for voting day to punish the NRM.
Kafuuma Kalwana, the publicity secretary for Kalwana Sub County in Kassanda District, also criticized the arrest .
"The arrest is not something for NRM supporters to celebrate. If we can recall, Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, aka Bobi Wine, gained fame after surviving bullets in Arua. We might now witness overwhelming support for NUP in Mubende District," said Kafuuma.
Hussein Ssekamatte, the district chairperson for Kassambya Sub County, joined other panelists in condemning the arrest.
"We are in danger because of this arrest. Many people won’t even care about the reason behind it—they will politicize the matter," he warned.
Anthony Ssemuli Tibamalilwa, the former MP for Mubende Municipality, pointed to internal conflicts among NRM leaders in the district.
"We should not undermine NUP’s support in Mubende. I’m always on the ground and know what is happening. We are losing as NRM," said Ssemuli.
As of now, Kyeyune remains in custody following his arrest .