There was chaos in Iganga town on Saturday when police clashed with members of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party during the opening of a new party office.
The event was led by FDC secretary general Nathan Nandala Mafabi, who is expected to carry the party’s presidential flag in 2026, alongside party president Patrick Amuriat.
The leaders had planned to open the Iganga office before proceeding to Mbale for a rally, but their programme was disrupted by police.
The situation appeared calm at first, with Nandala signing the visitors’ book and initial speeches getting underway.
But when Amuriat attempted to make a brief address ahead of Nandala, police intervened and began firing tear gas into the gathering, forcing the crowd to scatter.
Police then arrested several youths dressed in overalls, sparking a confrontation as officers blocked Nandala from addressing supporters.
Tear gas was again deployed along Saza Road, sending residents and passersby fleeing to escape the choking fumes.
Witnesses said police also tried to detain members of Nandala’s entourage in their vehicle, but were met with heckling and resistance from bystanders.
Eventually, Nandala was stopped from speaking altogether, and police escorted him out of Iganga town under tight security.
The incident underscores mounting tensions between security forces and Uganda’s opposition parties, who continue to face restrictions on public meetings and rallies ahead of the 2026 elections.
