Gulu City, Uganda: Police in Gulu City have arrested three people over alleged voter personation after they were found in possession of multiple voter location slips bearing names different from their own, raising fresh concerns about document misuse at polling stations.
The suspects, Lakot Nighty Oneka (35), Lariang Agnes (30), and Atoo Phiona (25), were arrested on Tuesday afternoon at Obiya Wii Got South Polling Station in Laroo–Pece Division.
According to police, the arrests followed a tip-off from local leaders after irregularities were detected during voter verification at the polling station.
“At around 1:00pm, the three suspects were arrested by the area LC1 chairperson after suspicion arose regarding their identities and the documents they were presenting,” said David Ongom Mudong, the Aswa West Regional Police Spokesperson.
Police say a search conducted at the time of arrest led to the recovery of four voter location slips, three of which bore names that did not correspond with those of the suspects.
The slips were reportedly issued in the names of Ayee-Rwot Prosperity, Anek Agnes, and Abedi Agnes, alongside one voter location slip belonging to Lakot Nighty Oneka, one of the suspects.
“The possession of voter location slips belonging to other individuals forms the basis of our investigations into alleged personation,” Mudong said. “These exhibits are critical in establishing whether the suspects intended to unlawfully represent other persons.”
Police confirmed that the offence under investigation is personation, which involves falsely presenting oneself as another individual for fraudulent purposes.
Authorities said statements have already been recorded from the suspects, the complainant, and other witnesses as investigations intensify. “So far, statements have been obtained from all key parties, and the recovered voter location slips have been formally exhibited to support the investigation process,” Mudong noted.
He added that investigators are now examining how the suspects acquired the documents and whether other individuals may be linked to the alleged scheme.
Following the arrests, brief tension was reported among voters at the polling station, prompting police to call for calm.
“We urge candidates and voters at Obiya Wii Got South polling station and across Laroo–Pece Division to remain calm as police conduct thorough investigations,” Mudong said. “We are committed to handling this matter professionally and ensuring it reaches its logical conclusion.”
The incident has reignited concerns among residents and civil society actors about the potential misuse of voter documentation at community level, particularly during periods of heightened political activity.
Police say the suspects remain in custody and will be produced in court once investigations are concluded.
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