Voting in Kasawo Town Council, Mukono District, was marred by violence after masked assailants stormed polling stations, damaged ballot boxes, and assaulted voters and election officials.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers kicked and broke ballot boxes at Kisenu and Mubanda polling stations, spilling ballot papers and disrupting the voting process.
“They came with sticks and stones, beating voters and officials while scattering the ballots,” one resident said.
Residents accused Mukono District NRM chairperson Hajj Haruna Semakula of deploying his private group of bouncers, locally known as “Hulk,” to interfere with the election.
“We saw a Toyota Drone with its number plates covered carrying armed bouncers. They forced their way in and stuffed pre-ticked ballot papers,” another eyewitness alleged.
The violence sparked anger among residents, who demanded Semakula’s resignation, accusing him of undermining democratic processes.
“He is tarnishing the party’s image and undermining democracy,” residents said.
Kasawo Town Council Mayor James Mulindwa, who is contesting as an independent candidate, condemned the violence, saying it was intended to influence the outcome of the polls.
“This violence was intended to ensure victory for the NRM candidate, Kaddu Andrew,” Mulindwa said. He appealed to General Katumba Wamala, a resident of Kasawo, to intervene, adding, “General Katumba must intervene because Semakula is becoming an issue in Mukono District.”
Kasawo Town Council Electoral Officer Hassan Ssenfuka confirmed that votes from the two affected polling stations would not be counted.
“The damaged ballot boxes and papers will be taken to Naggalama Police Station as exhibits for investigation,” Ssenfuka said.
He added that voting had initially been peaceful. “Voting had been peaceful until a vehicle with concealed number plates arrived. That’s when masked youths began assaulting polling officers and seizing ballot boxes,” he explained.
The incident adds to ongoing controversy surrounding Semakula, who has previously faced accusations from party members over interference in electoral processes and mismanagement of party funds.
Several NRM members have since renewed calls for his resignation, citing what they described as a lack of accountability and abuse of office.
