Two killed as violence erupts during LC1 elections in Buwenge, police warns leaders against instigating radicalized violence
Police said investigations into the incident are ongoing and urged members of the public with information on the whereabouts of the wanted suspects to report to the nearest police station.
Two people were killed and several others injured after violence erupted during Local Council I (LC1) elections in Buwenge Town Council, Jinja District, prompting police to issue a stern warning against political violence and launch a manhunt for key suspects.
According to the Kiira Regional Police Command, the disturbances occurred on Tuesday at polling stations in Market Zone and Kabi Zone, where a group of youths allegedly disrupted the voting process.
Police spokesperson SP James Mubi said the unrest centred around the LC1 chairperson election in Kabi Zone, where candidate Richard Kakande reportedly contested against Nabikambi Muzamiru.
The violence escalated at around 11:21 a.m. at Buwenge Progressive Academy Polling Station, where police say a group led by Kakande and associates Fred Kalulu (19) and Latibu Ikaali (23) attacked Electoral Commission officials and security personnel, disrupting the voting exercise.
Authorities said Kakande allegedly boycotted the election after realising he was trailing his opponent.
Following the declaration of Nabikambi as the winner by the returning officer, Kakande and a group of supporters allegedly stormed the polling station, confronting election officials and security personnel.
Police said officers fired warning shots into the air while attempting to restore order. During the chaos, Fred Kalulu was struck by a stray bullet and died at the scene.
Latibu Ikaali, who also sustained gunshot injuries, was rushed to Jinja Regional Referral Hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
The bodies of the deceased have been transferred to the hospital mortuary pending postmortem examinations.
Police have since declared Richard Kakande, Bosco, and other unidentified individuals wanted in connection with the violence.
The suspects are believed to have fled the area, and investigations are being coordinated by CPS Buwenge and Kiira North Division Police.
Kiira Regional Police Commander SSP Charles Nsaba condemned the violence and appealed to residents across the region to reject political intolerance.
“We call upon communities in Buwenge Town Council, Namulesa, Bugembe, Wanyange Lake, Mafubira, Masese, Polota and surrounding areas to reject radicalised violence and politics of hate,” Nsaba said.
The incident casts a shadow over the ongoing LC1 elections, which are intended to strengthen grassroots leadership across the country.
While most polling centres reported peaceful voting, the violence in Buwenge underscores the persistent challenge of political intolerance during local electoral contests.
Police said investigations into the incident are ongoing and urged members of the public with information on the whereabouts of the wanted suspects to report to the nearest police station.
