Two Killed in Violence During LC1 Elections in Jinja

Violence marred Local Council One (LC1) elections in Buwenge Town Council, Jinja District, resulting in the deaths of two young men after security personnel opened fire during clashes at a polling station. Fred Kalulu, 19, and Latibu Ikaali, 23, died from gunshot injuries sustained during the incident at Buwenge Progressive Academy polling station.

According to police, the violence was allegedly instigated by a group led by Richard Kakande, a candidate for LC1 chairperson of Kabi Zone, along with Kalulu, Ikaali, and others. This group reportedly disrupted polling activities in both Market Zone and Kabi Zone. Police spokesperson James Mubi stated that the disruption occurred around 11:21 a.m. when "unruly individuals attacked Electoral Commission officials and security personnel."

“

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.

Kakande had reportedly boycotted the election, leaving his main contender, Nabikambi Muzamiru, in the lead. The Electoral Commission subsequently declared Nabikambi the winner. However, tensions escalated when Kakande and his supporters allegedly stormed the polling station, assaulted officers, and interfered with electoral officials. In an attempt to restore order, security personnel fired warning shots into the air.

“

In an effort to restore calm, security personnel fired warning shots into the air. Unfortunately, Fred Kalulu was struck by a stray bullet and died instantly, while Latibu Ikaali sustained critical injuries.

Unfortunately, Fred Kalulu was struck by a stray bullet and died instantly, while Latibu Ikaali sustained critical injuries and later succumbed to them at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital. The bodies have been moved to the hospital mortuary for postmortem examinations. Police have declared Kakande and another individual named Bosco wanted and are actively searching for them.

Kiira Regional Police Commander SSP Charles Nsaba condemned the violence, urging residents to reject "radicalised violence and politics of hate" and embrace peaceful democratic processes. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

“

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.