Police in the Elgon region are investigating the killing of a village chairperson in Mbale District amid allegations that the attack may be linked to escalating political tensions as competition intensifies ahead of forthcoming elections in Bungokho North constituency.
Police have arrested five suspects in connection with the murder of Moses Nabende, 47, the Local Council One chairperson of Bubirabi Lower village in Bubentsye Parish, Wanale Sub-county.
Nabende was hacked to death on the night of December 25, 2025, in an attack that also left three other people seriously injured.
According to a police statement issued by Elgon Region Police Spokesperson Rogers Taitika, the attack occurred at about 11pm while Nabende was at his commercial bar with family members, including his wife and brothers.
Police said unknown assailants first hurled bottles into the bar, prompting Nabende to step outside to establish what was happening.
“The deceased and others were attacked and beaten. He attempted to flee towards his father’s home, where he collapsed unconscious,” the police statement reads.
Police said the attackers were armed with pangas, stones and sticks. Nabende was rushed to Mbale General Clinic, where he was pronounced dead in the early hours of Friday morning.
Three other victims identified as Wabiru Milton, 51, Nabende Andrew, 21, and Woboka Ronald, 32, sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment.
The suspects arrested include Rogers Mafabi, 40, Fred Nabende, 34, Jackson Wamboga, 38, Sam Shisa, 43, and Christopher Mafabi, 51.
They are being held at Busoba Police Station as investigations continue. Police said statements have been recorded from witnesses and the body of the deceased has been taken for postmortem examination.
The killing has taken on a political dimension after police revealed that Nabende was not only a village chairperson but also a campaign agent for Bungokho North Member of Parliament Magoolo.
Investigators say there are allegations that the attackers may have been linked to rival political camps contesting the parliamentary seat.
“It is alleged that the deceased was attacked by a team linked to rival political interests in Bungokho North,” police noted, cautioning that the claims are still under investigation.
The incident has heightened concerns over political violence at the grassroots level, particularly in constituencies expected to witness closely contested races.
Analysts warn that the targeting of local leaders and campaign agents could undermine peaceful participation in the electoral process if such acts are not firmly addressed.
Police have appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with investigations, assuring the public that all leads, including the alleged political motive, are being thoroughly examined.