A campaign rally organised by Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Namutumba District was thrown into disarray on Friday after a violent rainstorm tore through the venue, injuring several people and destroying tents that had been set up for shelter.
The event, attended by First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga and State Minister for Lands Persis Namuganza, was meant to mobilise support ahead of President Yoweri Museveni’s visit to the district on 15 November as part of his 2026 re-election campaign.
Witnesses said the storm hit shortly after the two government officials arrived, leaving the gathering in chaos as strong winds uprooted tents and brought down the stage. While the full number of injured people remains unclear, several were seen receiving first aid for minor injuries.
The sudden downpour sparked speculation among some attendees, who offered various cultural interpretations of the incident. Local resident Peter Nduga suggested the storm symbolised disapproval from Ms Kadaga’s ancestral spirits, claiming they were angered by her continued support for President Museveni.
“She has campaigned for Museveni for years, but this has never happened before,” Mr Nduga said, alleging that Busoga’s ancestral spirits were unhappy with Ms Kadaga’s recent political choices.
Opposition figures also weighed in. Namutumba District National Unity Platform (NUP) spokesperson Solomon Kaswabuli described the storm as a “sign of Museveni’s political downfall,” accusing Ms Kadaga of betraying Ugandans by backing the president’s extended rule.
“Mama Kadaga helped remove the presidential age limit and now we’re stuck with an 80-year-old candidate,” he said.
Despite the disruption, no major structural damage was reported to nearby buildings or crops, although the stage, tents, and public address system were destroyed.
Following the storm, Ms Kadaga apologised to residents and called for unity among NRM supporters, urging them to focus on the upcoming campaign.
“I know what happened affected us all, but let’s put that behind us and continue supporting the NRM and President Museveni for the country’s development,” she said.
Ms Namuganza, addressing the crowd afterwards, said her community in Bukono remained committed to backing President Museveni but called on the government to grant Bukono its own district to improve service delivery.
President Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, is expected to visit Namutumba as part of his wider campaign tour in eastern Uganda.
