Police in Luweero District have arrested an aspirant for the Migadde Village LC1 chairperson seat after he allegedly assaulted a village defence secretary during the ongoing village voter registration exercise in Katikamu Sub-county.
The suspect, identified as John Kiggundu, was arrested following a confrontation with Migadde Village defence secretary Abdul Katende over the voters' register.
According to preliminary reports, Kiggundu had gone to monitor the registration exercise when he allegedly raised concerns that the register contained names of people who were not residents of Migadde Village. He reportedly grabbed the register from an Electoral Commission official, prompting Katende to intervene.
The disagreement quickly escalated into a physical altercation, leaving Katende with serious injuries. He was rushed to a nearby health facility for treatment.
Luweero District Councillor Ronald Kakande attributed the incident to political rivalry between Kiggundu and the incumbent LC1 chairperson, Ahumada Mutyaba.
"The misunderstanding arose from the political competition between John Kiggundu and the incumbent LC1 chairperson, Ahumada Mutyaba. Unfortunately, what began as a disagreement over the register escalated into violence," Kakande said.
Luweero Regional Police spokesperson ASP Sam Twiineamazima confirmed the arrest, saying officers responded swiftly after receiving reports of the disturbance.
"Officers from Lukomera Police Station responded promptly, restored calm at the scene, arrested the suspect, and recovered the voter register, which has been retained as an exhibit. Investigations into the assault and the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing," Twiineamazima said.
Luweero District Returning Officer Moses Rwanks Kiconco described the incident as isolated and said it should not overshadow the ongoing registration exercise.
"Apart from this incident, the exercise has been peaceful across all the 624 villages in Luweero District. We are working to ensure registration is completed within the stipulated time so that the elections are conducted fairly and with minimal complaints," Kiconco said.
The village voter registration exercise is being conducted nationwide as part of preparations for the forthcoming LC1 chairperson elections scheduled for July 28. The register is intended to establish eligible village voters ahead of the polls.
