KAMPALA – Security agencies have launched investigations into allegations that businessman Hassan Basajjabalaba hired groups of goons to deface the campaign posters of Presidential Advisor on trade Philip Kakuru who is also vying for a slot on the NRM Central Executive Committee (CEC).
According to security sources familiar with the probe, intelligence operatives have received multiple reports that Basajjabalaba’s agents were behind the destruction of Kakuru’s posters in Kampala.
The posters were allegedly torn down or painted over with obscenities aimed at discrediting Kakuru’s candidacy.
“This is a very serious allegation because political sabotage of this nature threatens peaceful campaigns within the party,” said one senior intelligence officer who preferred anonymity. “We have witnesses who claim they saw hired groups moving at night, pulling down posters of his rival.”
Another security source told this newspaper that the pattern of vandalism is being treated as “organized interference” rather than random acts of hooliganism. “The goons were paid and transported. This wasn’t spontaneous. The operation had a sponsor, and all leads point to Basajjabalaba,” the source noted.
“We are following the money trail, the vehicles used, and the command chain,” said a senior officer at Police Headquarters. “If proven, this would constitute electoral malpractice and criminal damage under the Penal Code.”
Campaign teams loyal to Kakuru have since condemned the acts. One of his mobilizers says“We are not surprised. Every time Basajjabalaba is involved in politics, it comes with intimidation, bribery, or destruction. But this time, delegates are vigilant, and such tricks will not work.”
Meanwhile, Basajjabalaba has reportedly avoided direct engagement with delegates in recent days, choosing instead to send his daughter, Mariam Basajjabalaba, to do the lobbying on his behalf. Security sources say this distancing has not shielded him from scrutiny.
As investigations deepen, NRM delegates await clarity on the allegations. For now, the scandal adds yet another cloud of controversy over Basajjabalaba’s embattled candidacy for the Entrepreneurs League chairmanship on the CEC.
