Police on Sunday evening dispersed a group of residents from Nyamukana Town Council who stormed the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) district offices to protest the alleged illegal cancellation of flagbearer victory of their sub-county's representative to the district councillor.
The demonstrators, who carried placards denouncing “Matiarism” and calling for “justice for David Aryatuha,” accused Ntungamo District NRM registrar Maria Mirembe of annulling the July 24, 2025 primary election results without a petition, and declaring his opponent, Amos Natuhwera, as the new flag bearer.
Kevin Katusiime, speaking for the protesters, said Aryatuha campaigned tirelessly and was declared winner on July 24, yet two weeks later received a letter signed by Mirembe cancelling his win.
“It’s by surprise that on the 7th, Madam Maria signed the cancellation letter and declared Amos Natuhwera the winner, We need Maria to explain why she cancelled our victory,” Katusiime said.
Chanting slogans and waving handwritten placards, the protesters accused the NRM leadership in Ntungamo of betraying voters’ will.
“We are tired of voting freely but having our vote bought later,” shouted one supporter.
Another asked: “Do you want someone to kill himself because of an election?”
Throughout the demonstration, Aryatuha lay silently on the ground in a show of defiance, while supporters demanded top NRM leaders intervene.
After hours of chanting, police moved in, dispersing the crowd and arresting several protesters.
Authorities did not respond to the protesters’ grievances on site.