BUSHENYI – A wave of political intolerance has swept through Igara East after campaign posters belonging to Gakyalo Fabiano, an Aspirant contesting for the parliamentary seat, were vandalized and torn to pieces by Unknown individuals. The shocking act, which targeted most of his posters displayed in various villages, has raised concerns over the deteriorating state of political civility in the region.
Eyewitnesses in several villages reported waking up to find Fabiano’s posters either slashed, defaced, or completely removed from their original locations. While the culprits remain unidentified, supporters of the candidate have blamed what they call “political mafias” who seek to intimidate and suppress competition through underhanded tactics. “This is not just an attack on Fabiano’s campaign but an attack on democracy itself,” a resident of Kyeizooba lamented.
Political analysts and community leaders have condemned the act, warning that such intolerance undermines the principles of free and fair elections. Destroying a candidate’s posters not only violates electoral guidelines but also deprives voters of the opportunity to make informed choices. “Every candidate deserves a fair chance to present their manifesto to the people. If opponents resort to violence or destruction, then we risk turning elections into a battlefield rather than a democratic process,” said one political observer.
Gakyalo Fabiano, in response to the incident, called for calm among his supporters and urged authorities to investigate the matter. He emphasized that his campaign is rooted in peace and service to the people of Igara East. “We will not be intimidated. We believe in democracy, and we are here to serve the people, not to engage in political fights,” he stated.
The destruction of campaign materials is a clear violation of Uganda’s electoral laws, which protect candidates’ rights to campaign freely. The Electoral Commission has in the past warned against acts of political violence, but such cases continue to emerge across the country. If left unchecked, these acts could escalate into more serious electoral malpractices, jeopardizing the integrity of the entire electoral process.
Residents and political stakeholders have called upon security agencies to take action against those responsible. Many argue that failure to address such incidents will embolden more rogue elements to engage in similar acts, creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation among candidates and their supporters.
As Igara East prepares for the upcoming elections, it remains be seen whether authorities will step in to uphold fairness and order. With political tensions running high, all eyes are on law enforcement and the Electoral Commission to ensure that democracy is safeguarded and that all candidates can campaign without fear of sabotage.
Gakyalo Fabiano who has already shown his commitment towards supporting community development hails from Bumbaire Sub County in Igara East Constituency, Bushenyi district and is a former Igara East Constituency Member Of Parliament Candidate.
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