Luuka, Uganda: The Territorial Police in Luuka District are holding in custody an officer at the rank of Detective Corporal, D/C Emojong Denis, to assist in investigations into a deadly shooting that left one person dead and two others injured during the NRM grassroots elections held Wednesday afternoon.
The incident, according to police, occurred at the Noor Islamic Primary Teachers’ College playground in Luswiga Zone, Nantamu Ward, Bulanga Town Council, prompting immediate deployment and investigations.
Busoga North police spokesperson ASP Michael Kasadha identified the deceased as 30-year-old Lwayanga Swaliki, and the injured as Oketch Ivan, a resident of Bulanga Central, and Nabugo Peterson, from Wainha Village in Baitambogwe Sub-county, Mayuge District.
According Mr Kasadha, the violence erupted during a rerun of the NRM elections after the initial exercise on Tuesday was cancelled due to chaos. The rerun initially proceeded peacefully but turned violent during the vote-counting process when a group of youths allegedly mobilized by one candidate stormed the area, demanding the immediate declaration of Isebo Sulaimani as winner.
“The angry youth began pelting stones, endangering the safety of police officers and electoral officials,” ASP Kasadha said in a statement. “In response to the escalating situation, police officers discharged bullets, resulting in one fatality and two injuries.”
The body of the deceased was conveyed to Iganga General Hospital mortuary, while the injured were taken for treatment, but on the way to the hospital, an officer attached to Luuka CPS, Sgt. Khaleke Noah was also injured after being struck in the eye by a stone. He has since been referred to Jinja Regional Referral Hospital for further medical attention.
ASP Kasadha condemned the violence and warned that police will not tolerate disruptions during the electoral process.
“We urge the public to remain calm as investigations continue and to uphold peace throughout the ongoing electoral process,” Kasadha said. “We will not hesitate to take legal action against any individual or group found responsible for conduct that undermines the legal procedures governing the electoral process.”
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