Jinja, Uganda: Police in Jinja have confirmed the shooting of Shafic Mukisa, 17, after he allegedly attempted to escape from lawful custody at Buwenge Police Station on Friday, August 15, 2025.
The incident followed election violence during the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primary election for the LC3 flag bearer in Buwenge Town Council.
Kiira Regional Police Spokesperson, SP James Mubi, said Mukisa was arrested on Thursday in connection with disruptions and intimidation during the polls, which turned violent and even saw the temporary closure of the Jinja–Kamuli road. The violence was allegedly fueled by one of the contestants, Isma Ozanya, and his supporters.
“After causing violence at one polling station, they went to another while travelling in a car registration number UAQ 879U (Toyota Raum). We managed to arrest the suspects and impounded the vehicle, and now parked it in the Buwenge police parking yard,” SP Mubi said in a statement.
A number of suspects were arrested together with Mukisa during the police response to a distress call. These include the alleged ringleader of intimidations and assaults, Ibrahim Isabirye, as well as Fazil Tugume, Geoffrey Kyeyune, Eric Kaluya, one Rigan, and others.
Police said charges against the suspects include malicious damage, assault, and possession of dangerous weapons such as sharp instruments.
The violent clashes left several people injured, including Charles Kyeyune, Ayub Bogere, and Mukalu, who were admitted to nearby health facilities for treatment.
Mukisa was transferred to Buwenge Police Station pending investigations. On Friday morning, police ordered him to clean the station compound, but he allegedly tried to use the opportunity to escape.
“One of the suspects who were arrested, Shafic Mukisa, 17, wanted to escape from police custody as he was asked to clean the compound. He started running, and this was to escape from lawful custody, which is criminal. Of course, we had to re-arrest him, but commotion erupted and some bullets were discharged in the air, and unfortunately, Mukisa was shot in the process,” Mubi said.
Mubi further condemned the acts of residents who paraded the deceased’s body along the streets of Buwenge, claiming they intended to take it to the home of Hajji Kinosa, who won the NRM primary election. Police later retrieved the body and took it to Buwenge Health Centre IV mortuary.
“Isma Ozanya mobilized youths along Muguluka street to engage in these unlawful acts, where they wanted to take the body to the home of Hajji Kinosa, who won the NRM party primary election as LC3 flag bearer for Buwenge Town Council, before we took it to the mortuary. That was a sign of indiscipline, and we condemn it,” Mubi added, noting that Ozanya remains on the wanted list.
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