Two UPDF soldiers arrested over Sembabule LC election violence
Preliminary findings indicate that agents of Kangave intercepted two vehicles belonging to independent candidate Jackson Murungi Bashira, suspecting them of engaging in late-night voter bribery ahead of the elections held on Wednesday.
Sembabule District Police have arrested two Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers in connection with violence that disrupted local council elections in Sembabule Town Council, leaving two civilians injured.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday in Kiwuula Village, Sembabule Town Council, when gunshots were fired at vehicles linked to supporters of National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate William Kangave.
According to the Greater Masaka Regional Police Spokesperson, Twaha Kasirye, the suspects—whose identities have been withheld—were arrested to assist investigations into a case of attempted murder by shooting.
“It’s alleged that in the night of February 4, 2026, unknown people moving in a Super Custom vehicle fired bullets at two motor vehicles—one a numberless Toyota Noah and another a Toyota Wish, registration number UB 2055U,” Kasirye said.
Police confirmed that two people were injured during the shooting. Rogers Ssekiwala sustained a gunshot wound to the thigh and was rushed to Guma Guma Hospital for treatment, while Meddie Male Kawuki was shot in the buttocks and transferred to Masaka Regional Referral Hospital in critical condition.
Kasirye said investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting and called on members of the public to provide any information that could aid police inquiries.
“It’s alleged that the suspects were moving with one Murunji Jackson, an aspiring mayor of Sembabule Town Council contesting on an independent ticket,” Kasirye added.
Police have since summoned Murunji to record a statement regarding the incident.
“We have also summoned Mr Murunji to come and give us his side of the story,” Kasirye said.
Earlier, NUP candidate William Kangave told journalists that two of his supporters—identified as Ssekiwala Rogers and Meddie Male—were shot at around 3am by UPDF soldiers. Kangave alleged that the shooting occurred as his supporters attempted to stop a rival candidate’s team from allegedly distributing money to voters.
Preliminary findings indicate that agents of Kangave intercepted two vehicles belonging to independent candidate Jackson Murungi Bashira, suspecting them of engaging in late-night voter bribery ahead of the elections held on Wednesday. During the ensuing confrontation, soldiers reportedly attached to Murungi as escorts allegedly opened fire.
Police say inquiries are ongoing and that further updates will be provided as investigations progress.
