Jinja, Uganda: Two people were shot dead after violence erupted following a disputed Local Council I (LC1) election in Buwenge Town Council, Jinja District, where a candidate who allegedly boycotted the poll reportedly rejected the outcome and mobilized supporters to disrupt the electoral process.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, July 28, at Buwenge Progressive Academy Polling Station in Kabi Zone, prompting police to launch a manhunt for Richard Kakande, an LC1 chairperson candidate, and another suspect identified as Bosco.
According to Kiira Region Police Spokesperson SP James Mubi, tensions began before voting had concluded after Kakande allegedly boycotted the election, leaving his main rival, Nabikambi Muzamiru, in the lead.
Following the conclusion of the voting process, the Electoral Commission’s returning officer declared Nabikambi the duly elected LC1 chairperson.
However, police allege that Kakande, together with Fred Kalulu, Latibu Ikaali and other supporters, rejected the outcome and moved to disrupt polling activities in Market Zone and Kabi Zone.
“At around 11:21 a.m., violence erupted at Buwenge Progressive Academy Polling Station when a group of unruly individuals attacked Electoral Commission officials and security personnel, disrupting the otherwise peaceful voting process,” SP Mubi said.
Police said security personnel responded by firing warning shots to disperse the violent crowd.
During the confrontation, Fred Kalulu, 19, a resident of Market Zone, sustained a gunshot wound and died at the scene.
Another victim, Latibu Ikaali, 23, was rushed to Jinja Regional Referral Hospital for treatment but later succumbed to his injuries.
The bodies were taken to the hospital mortuary pending postmortem examinations.
Kiira Regional Police Commander SSP Charles Nsaba condemned the violence and confirmed that police are actively searching for Kakande and Bosco, who are wanted by Buwenge Central Police Station and Kiira North Police Division in connection with the incident.
“We call upon residents of Buwenge Town Council, Namulesa, Bugembe, Wanyange, Mafubira, Masese and Polota to reject radicalised violence and politics of hate and instead embrace peaceful democratic processes,” SSP Nsaba said.
Police said investigations into the violence are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and identify any additional suspects.
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