Parliamentary candidate Venancious Ahabwe of the People's Front for Freeom and other candidates in Kajara Constituency are reporting widespread destruction of campaign banners and posters, with over 100 of Ahabwe's materials destroyed following President Museveni's recent visit.
The vandalism has sparked accusations of targeted attacks and raised concerns over political civility ahead of the January 2026 elections.
Ahabwe claimed that more than 100 campaign banners and countless posters have been destroyed following President Museveni's recent visit to the area.
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He said the vandalism has sharply escalated since the President toured the district, insisting that his materials are being deliberately targeted while those of other contenders remain intact.
He alleged that "someone sponsored the destruction," deploying individuals he described as goons to remove, deface, and destroy his banners and posters from key trading centres and road junctions.
"The campaign had been moving well up to the visit of the President. Someone sponsored the destruction of my posters and banners. We have lost over 100 posters and banners in the entire constituency," Ahabwe said.
He expressed frustration over what he calls a lack of response from police despite filing multiple complaints.
"I have reported this matter to police on about 10 occasions, but no investigations have been done and no action has been taken," he said, accusing security agencies of hesitation even as the situation worsens.
Ahabwe insisted that the targeted nature of the attacks points to foul play.
"They are targeting my materials. Many posters of other contenders are still here since the NRM primaries. Someone has sponsored goons to go around defacing and tearing down mine. This should not go on," he said.
He is now calling for political civility, urging rivals to conduct mature campaigns and avoid costly destruction.
"We are calling upon our rivals to demonstrate civility and stop destroying posters because we are incurring very heavy costs in printing and putting up these banners," he appealed.
The Electoral Commission in Ntungamo has also weighed in, warning that vandalising campaign materials is illegal.
"We have got a case of NUP posters being defaced and removed. It is not allowed, and the person doing this is committing an offence. As EC we condemn it strongly. People should be on the lookout, get those who vandalise posters and report to police," said Latif Ngonzi, Ntungamo District Electoral Commission officer.
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As the January 2026 general elections approach, Ahabwe is facing off with NRM flag bearer James Hunter Tukahirwa, and independent candidates Davison Kaijuka and Deus Muhwezi.
