MP Kanyike Injured as NUP, NRM Supporters Clash in Masaka

Ronald Evans Kanyike, the Bukoto East Constituency Member of Parliament in Masaka District, is nursing injuries he sustained during a violent scuffle with supporters of his political opponent. 

Kanyike, a National Unity Platform (NUP) legislator, was on Monday evening involved in a physical confrontation with supporters of Joanita Nalule, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate for the Masaka District Woman MP seat, as both teams returned from their campaign activities. 

The clash occurred at Kidda Trading Centre in Kiteengesa Ward, Nyendo–Mukungwe Division, when the campaign caravans of the two candidates met at a junction, sparking bitter exchanges that quickly escalated into fistfights. Eyewitnesses say the fracas began when the driver of Kanyike’s sound system truck suspiciously stopped in the middle of the road, blocking the NRM candidate’s caravan, which was travelling in the same direction. 

Hassan Mayiga, a resident of Kidda Trading Centre who witnessed the confrontation, said the truck’s sudden stoppage appeared provocative and angered Nalule’s team, triggering physical altercations. He added that Kanyike jumped out of his vehicle to confront the rival supporters, but this inflamed the situation, leading to him being manhandled.

Julius Kasiko, another eyewitness, said Kanyike was assaulted and the windows of his Land Cruiser Prado (UBK 665Q) were shattered in the scuffle as he allegedly approached the opponent’s vehicle. He noted that both candidates were moving with groups of supporters and civilian guards providing security.

Meanwhile, MP Kanyike says he was badly beaten and is currently receiving treatment at a private health facility in Masaka town. He accuses his opponent of intentionally orchestrating a confrontation to target him and his supporters.

“We were campaigning in different parishes, but to our surprise, the NRM people would cross from their designated ward to interfere with us. When our teams met, they had made a stopover and were campaigning on the roadside, and they did not want us to drive past them,” he says.

However, Nalule blames Kanyike for the chaos, accusing him of moving with a disruptive gang of supporters who often provoke rivals and disregard other road users. She further claims Kanyike physically pulled off her car’s side mirror after his sound truck had blocked the road, prompting a reaction from her supporters. 

Billy Janet Mulindwa, the Masaka Resident District Commissioner, said security quickly responded after being alerted about the incident. She noted that police have since summoned both candidates and their teams to record statements.