Budaka, Uganda: Police in eastern Uganda’s Budaka District have opened investigations into the killing of 20-year-old Bukoli Stephen, who is reported to have been murdered during violent clashes that erupted at a political victory procession in Kamonkoli Town Council on Saturday evening.
The violence broke out at around 4:00 PM as supporters gathered to celebrate Natudde Julius, the newly elected NRM flag bearer for the Kamonkoli Town Council LC3 Chairperson seat. The celebrations turned bloody when rival factions aligned with the defeated candidate, Keta Christopher, allegedly ambushed the procession.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos as stones and sticks flew through the air. Stephen was struck during the confrontation and sustained severe injuries. He was rushed to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, where he succumbed early Sunday morning.
Gadala Ambrose, a local pharmacist and close friend of the deceased, expressed his grief: “We were just celebrating democracy, and now we are mourning a life lost to senseless violence.”
The Bukedi North Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Kyempasa Wilfred, confirmed the incident, noting that a team led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Kwebiiha Sarapio has since been deployed to gather evidence and record statements from witnesses.
Despite the police deployment, key suspects identified as Emma, Sambagala, Okodel Mike, and others, all residents of Kilalaka village in Kamonkoli Northern Ward, remain at large.
Community leaders have since appealed for calm, warning that political rivalries must never be allowed to spiral into violence. “We must unite to prevent such tragedies,” urged a local council representative.
As preparations for Stephen’s burial get underway, residents of Kamonkoli and the wider Budaka District are grappling with the shock of a political celebration turned into a mourning ground, with calls for justice and restraint dominating conversations.
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