An Effigy of Godfrey Kayemba Afaayo, the Masaka FDC mayoral candidate, hanging out from a noose at the FDC offices in Masaka has triggered a furor, resulting into four injuries.
It all started when FDC party supporters emerged from their offices along Elgin Road, holding the effigy and posters, just as George William Kalumba, the NRM party mayoral candidate, and his eight-car convoy waded through Masaka town.
The sight of the FDC candidate's effigy pulled the trigger that saw the NRM Supporters descend on the FDC office and beat up some of the party supporters.
Four people were injured in the scuffle. The injured are Philly Mbalire, Bernard Mugenyi, Andrew Katongole and Ali Nungi, the Masaka FDC party administrative secretary, who was beaten, dumped in the middle of the road and left speechless.
Andrew Katongole, one of the injured FDC supporters, witnessed the incident. He says the NRM supporters forced their way into FDC offices and beat up the NRM supporters for displaying Kayemba's effigy.
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Soldiers who were cleaning the streets ahead of the Tarehe sita celebrations quickly swung into action and put the situation under control.
Kayemba Afaayo, William Kalumba's rival says he is bringing the matter to the attention of the police and electoral commission.
Kayemba wonders why his rival's convoy was moving through Masaka town and yet he was supposed to be holding his rallies in Kimanya-Kyabakuza division.
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Kalumba however claims that his supporters could have been provoked by FDC youths who flushed FDC signs. He also denies allegations that FDC supporters were injured.
In the meantime, the injured FDC leaders have gone to Masaka central police to report an assault case against Kalumba and his supporters.
Last week, Maj. Kakooza Mutale, President Museveni's political advisor also brought down Besigye's effigies on Elgin Street and Edward Avenue. FDC has since then vowed to avenge Mutale's action by burning his vehicles.
Police has not commented on the latest campaign violence. But security has been stepped up at Kyabakuza, amid reports that FDC youths plan to attack Kalumba's main rally.
Four people are contesting for Masaka mayoral chair. They include William Kalumba of NRM, Godfrey Kayemba Afaayo of IPC, Dr. Deo Luwukya independent, and Hajji Badru Namuyimba also independent candidate.
