The nomination exercise for Members of Parliament in the Kampala Metropolitan area proceeded smoothly on Wednesday, with police reporting no major incidents despite heavy crowds across the city.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Patrick Onyango said all candidates followed the Electoral Commission's guidelines and security instructions.
"Security agencies are deployed strategically to maintain order and deter disruptions, and they will continue to do so throughout the exercise," he added.
Keep up with the latest headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn
A total of 46 candidates were nominated on the first day across Kampala divisions: Makindye East 11, Makindye West 5, Kawempe South 4, and Kawempe North 2.
Rubaga North 2, Rubaga South 3, Nakawa East 8, Nakawa West 1, Central Division 8, and Kampala Women MPs 2.
Makindye East and Kampala Central the most contested so far.
Despite the orderly process, Kampala streets experienced heavy congestion as supporters thronged nomination centres.
Opposition Leader Joel Ssenyonyi drew thousands of supporters at his Nakawa home before heading to the nomination centre to retain his Nakawa West seat. Supporters, mostly on motorcycles, escorted him through Kyanja and Kisaasi to the city centre, contributing to traffic gridlock.
In Kira Municipality, Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda of the People's Front for Freedom (PFF) attracted hundreds of supporters, blocking roads en route to Bukasa.
NUP's George Musisi also drew crowds while seeking the Kira seat. Boxer-turned-politician Moses Muhangi chose to walk with his campaign team to the Kampala Central nomination centre, saying, "We've come this far together, and that's how we move forward."
Post-nomination celebrations by some ruling NRM supporters backing Minsa Kabanda at Nakivubo Blue Stadium turned briefly chaotic as crowds jostled for space.
She, however, promised to prioritize city residents' welfare if re-elected.
Overall, police maintained order across Kampala, ensuring the nomination process largely proceeded without disruptions.
