Police authorities have dismissed allegations that security officers shot at the vehicle of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate Nathan Nandala Mafabi during a tense campaign incident in Amudat District, saying the damage reported was caused by stones and not gunfire.The controversy followed a confrontation on Friday evening at Kalita, where Mafabi’s campaign team attempted to hold a rally at the Kalita Livestock Market.
Security personnel, including police officers and members of the Anti-Stock Theft Unit, stopped the gathering, citing Electoral Commission guidelines that restrict campaigns in certain areas such as markets.According to police, the decision to block the rally angered some of Mafabi’s supporters, who responded by throwing stones at the security team. In the confusion that followed, officers fired warning shots into the air to disperse the crowd and restore order as tensions escalated at the scene.
Mafabi later reported a case of attempted murder at Amudat Central Police Station, claiming that police had fired at his car and shattered the right windscreen. The report quickly sparked public debate and concern over the conduct of security forces during the ongoing campaign period.However, Mount Moroto Regional Police Spokesperson Mike Longole said investigations conducted after the incident showed a different picture. He explained that both a police truck and Mafabi’s vehicle were damaged during the clash, but examinations revealed that a stone, not a bullet, broke the windscreen. Police reportedly found a stone inside the candidate’s vehicle, supporting their conclusion.
Longole further stated that Mafabi later acknowledged the damage was caused by stones thrown during the chaos, rather than by shots fired by security personnel. He emphasized that the confrontation stemmed from the attempt to campaign in a restricted area, which triggered resistance and disorder among sections of the crowd.Following discussions between the parties, the issue was reportedly settled amicably, and no formal case was registered. Mafabi has since continued with his campaign activities in other parts of the country, while police have reiterated their commitment to providing security within the framework of the law.
Despite the police account, independent verification was not possible by the time of publication, as Mafabi’s campaign team could not be reached for comment. Police have urged the public and the media to exercise caution and verify information carefully, noting that disputes over whether injuries or damage are caused by bullets or stones have repeatedly surfaced in Uganda’s politically charged past.
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