The inaugural Buganda convention of the People's Front for Freedom (PFF) ended in chaos on Sunday after police fired teargas to stop delegates and supporters from marching through Mityana town to open the party's new regional offices.
The convention, held earlier in the day in Mityana Municipality, drew senior party leaders, legislators, and aspiring candidates from across Buganda.
But tension erupted when PFF members attempted to conclude the meeting with a procession to Busimbi, where they planned to inaugurate new offices.
Police, led by Mityana District Police Commander Steven Ojok, blocked the march, saying the party had not secured clearance for the procession. Officers fired teargas, scattering the crowd of supporters and onlookers.
Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as delegates and residents fled in panic. Some supporters fell to the ground while others sprinted through side streets to escape the choking fumes.
Party leaders condemned the crackdown, insisting their activities were lawful.
"We had gathered to launch our offices, not to cause chaos. What we have witnessed here is the suppression of our political rights," said Dr. Kizza Martin Ssemambo, an aspiring candidate for Mityana Municipality.
Dr. Lulume Bayiga, the party's Deputy President for Buganda, accused security forces of attempting to frustrate PFF's growth.
"Buganda is central to our political strategy, and opening these offices was a critical step. No amount of intimidation will stop us from organizing," he said.
Despite the disruption, a determined group led by Dr Bayigga reached the offices and symbolically cut the ribbon, declaring them open amid chants and applause.
"This is more than an office. It is a home for the people of Buganda who want change. The police may teargas us, but they cannot teargas our vision," Dr Bayigga told cheering supporters.
The violent dispersal highlighted the growing tension between security agencies and opposition movements as Uganda moves toward the 2026 general elections.
