NAMUTUMBA. Several residents are nursing wounds after a strong rainstorm hit a campaign rally organised by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) leaders in Namutumba District.
The devastating storm , tear down tents under which attendees had sought shelter.
The incident happened shortly after the First Deputy Prime Minister, Ms Rebecca Kadaga and State Minister for Lands Ms Persis Namuganza, arrived at the rally venue.
The unexpected rainstorm sparked speculations among some of the superstitious attendees who were overheard giving their own interpretations of what they had witnessed.
Mr Peter Nduga, a resident of Kamudole ward, Ivukula Sub County claimed Ms Kadaga’s ancestral spirits were trying to warn her against campaigning for President Museveni, citing his alleged role in undermining her during the NRM CEC elections in which she lost the female vice chairperson seat to Speaker of Parliament, Ms Anita Among.
“She’s been in leadership for years, campaigning for Museveni, but this has never happened to her. Her ancestors and Busoga’s spiritual spirits from Igenge and Kamuli were annoyed with Kadaga. She even forgot to sing Busoga’s Anthem,” Mr Nduga said.
Ms Kadaga and Ms Namuganza organised the rally to mobilise Namutumba residents to welcome President Museveni, who is scheduled to campaign in the district on November 15 as he seeks to extend his rule beyond 40 years in next year General Election.
Mr Solomon Kaswabuli, Namutumba District National Unity Platform (NUP) spokesperson, believes the incident was a sign of Museveni’s impending downfall, claiming it’s an unprecedented event in Uganda’s history.
According to Mr Kaswabuli, the event was dramatic, with accusations that Kadaga is again doing a disservice to Ugandans and Basoga by campaigning for Mr Museveni’s re-election, echoing concerns about her role in removing the presidential age limit as former Speaker.
“Mama Kadaga removed the age limit, now we’re stuck with an 80-year-old candidate. She’s quick to switch sides, saying Museveni’s bad when he opposed her on the NRM CEC post, but now she’s all about him. To me, she’s a hypocrite and a problem for Busoga,” Mr Kaswabuli said.
The rainstorm damaged the Master of the Ceremony’s stage, tents, and equipment, but spared buildings and crops, leaving many wondering about the significance of the incident.