Hoima, Uganda – Security forces on Wednesday blocked Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate Nathan Nandala Mafabi from accessing his designated campaign rally venue in Hoima City, forcing him to abandon his vehicle and walk several kilometers to the site.
Witnesses said police and army officers deployed heavily along the road leading to the rally grounds, erecting roadblocks that stopped Nandala’s convoy from proceeding. The officers reportedly told the FDC team that the Electoral Commission had not cleared the route and that the gathering posed potential security risks.
Defying the blockade, Nandala alighted from his vehicle and proceeded on foot, flanked by dozens of supporters chanting FDC slogans. Videos circulating on social media showed him waving to cheering residents as he walked toward the rally venue, creating a spontaneous procession that drew attention across Hoima City.
In a brief statement to journalists, Nandala condemned the obstruction, calling it an act of intimidation meant to suppress opposition voices.
“This is clear intimidation,” he said. “We have a constitutional right to meet Ugandans wherever they are. Blocking our rallies shows fear and undermines democracy.”
FDC officials described the incident as part of a wider pattern of restrictions on opposition campaign activities ahead of the 2026 General Election.
“We submitted our campaign schedule to the Electoral Commission in time,” said party spokesperson John Kikonyogo. “Security agencies have no mandate to interfere unless they are acting under political instructions.”
Police have not yet issued an official statement on the matter. However, a security source in Hoima said that the preventive measure was aimed at ensuring public order.
“We cannot allow situations that may escalate into chaos,” the source said. “All candidates must follow approved routes and crowd-control guidelines.”
Nandala’s campaign team later confirmed that despite the delays, the rally went ahead peacefully, with the candidate addressing hundreds of supporters. He urged them to remain calm and to use their votes as a tool for change.
The incident adds to growing concerns over the political climate ahead of the 2026 elections, with several opposition figures already accusing the state of using security agencies to frustrate their campaigns.
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