By Mulengera Reporters
Chaos rocked Masindi town on Thursday afternoon as police battled supporters of Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate Nathan Nandala Mafabi, in a dramatic standoff that briefly disrupted his campaign trail.
The fracas erupted when police allegedly blocked all major routes leading into Masindi town, in what FDC officials described as an attempt to stop Mafabi from addressing his supporters.
Tension escalated after a police vehicle reportedly knocked an NTV car, prompting angry FDC supporters to confront the officers.
Witnesses say Mafabi’s convoy was forced to use alternative routes and push through the police barricades, as chants of “People Power! Change Now!” filled the air.
After a tense standoff, Mafabi eventually made his way into town, where he was received by cheering crowds waving FDC flags.
Despite the chaos, Mafabi pressed on with his programme, officially opening new FDC offices in Masindi before proceeding to Kiryandongo District, where he addressed more supporters on his vision for a “new Uganda built on justice and accountability.”
Meanwhile, FDC President Eng. Patrick Oboi Amuriat, who accompanied Mafabi, dropped a political bombshell announcing that Mafabi had committed to serve only two presidential terms if elected.
“I want to tell you, the people of Masindi,” Amuriat told the crowd at Kabango-Kinyara Trading Centre, “our president, Mr. Mafabi, has assured us he will serve for only a maximum of ten years. The wrong idea of life presidency ends with Mr. Museveni’s regime.”
The statement drew thunderous applause from supporters, many of whom hailed the pledge as a bold promise to restore constitutionalism in Uganda’s leadership.
Mafabi’s western campaign leg is part of his wider push across the country ahead of next year’s presidential elections.
His message promising democratic renewal, transparency, and limited tenure has ignited excitement among opposition faithful, even as his convoys continue to face heavy police resistance in several districts.
FDC officials have condemned what they termed as “state intimidation,” accusing security forces of trying to sabotage Mafabi’s campaign trail.
Police, however, have not yet issued a statement on the incident.
As night fell on Masindi, FDC supporters vowed to continue accompanying their candidate “no matter the barriers.”
