NRM leaders in Mubende District have voiced strong disapproval over the recent arrest of Pafuladito Kyeyune, the NUP chairperson for the district, by the Special Forces Command (SFC) on Thursday.
Kyeyune was detained for allegedly driving a vehicle displaying NUP campaign posters during President Museveni’s visit to the area.
Sheif Magezi Nsereko, NRM’s district secretary, criticized the move, calling it a setback for the ruling party and warning that it could reignite support for the opposition.
“I condemn the arrest of Mr. Kyeyune Pafuladito—this will only attract public sympathy and boost his chances in the next election,” Magezi said, urging security agencies to release Kyeyune to prevent potential electoral losses for the NRM.
He also warned against underestimating NUP’s influence in the region, claiming many residents are quietly preparing to express their dissatisfaction at the ballot box.
Echoing the concern, Kafuuma Kalwana, publicity secretary for Kalwana Sub County in Kassanda District, said the arrest could backfire.
“This isn’t something for NRM supporters to cheer about. Remember, Kyagulanyi [Bobi Wine] gained massive support after surviving the Arua incident. This could fuel similar momentum for NUP in Mubende,” he remarked.
Hussein Ssekamatte, chairperson for Kassambya Sub County, cautioned that the arrest could be widely politicized, regardless of the actual circumstances behind it.
Meanwhile, former Mubende Municipality MP Anthony Ssemuli Tibamalilwa attributed the incident to internal strife within NRM leadership and warned against dismissing the opposition’s growing presence.
“As someone actively engaged on the ground, I can confidently say NRM is losing grip in Mubende,” Ssemuli said.
Kyeyune remains in detention as the situation continues to draw public attention.
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