Violence marred the Local Council One (LC1) elections in Buwenge Town Council, Jinja District, on Tuesday, leaving two people dead after security personnel opened fire during clashes at a polling station.
The deceased have been identified as Fred Kalulu, 19, a resident of Market Zone in Buwenge Town Council, who died at the scene, and Latibu Ikaali, 23, who later succumbed to gunshot injuries at hospital.
According to the Kiira Region Police spokesperson, James Mubi, the fatal incident occurred on Tuesday, July 28, at Buwenge Progressive Academy polling station in Kabi Zone during the LC1 elections.
Mubi said the violence was allegedly instigated by a group led by Richard Kakande, a candidate for LC1 chairperson of Kabi Zone, alongside Kalulu, Ikaali, and others. The group reportedly disrupted polling activities in both Market Zone and Kabi Zone.
"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," Mubi said.
Police said Kakande had earlier boycotted the election, leaving his main contender, Nabikambi Muzamiru, in the lead. The Electoral Commission returning officer subsequently declared Nabikambi the winner.
However, tensions escalated shortly after the declaration when Kakande and his supporters allegedly stormed the polling station, assaulted officers deployed to maintain order, and interfered with electoral officials.
"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," Mubi added.
Ikaali was rushed to Jinja Regional Referral Hospital for treatment but later succumbed to his injuries. The bodies of the deceased have since been taken to the hospital mortuary pending postmortem examinations.
Police have launched a manhunt for suspects still at large, including Richard Kakande and another individual identified only as Bosco. The two have been declared wanted by authorities at Buwenge Central Police Station and Kiira North Division.
Meanwhile, the Kiira Regional Police Commander, SSP Charles Nsaba, condemned the violence and urged communities to refrain from engaging in electoral unrest.
"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," Nsaba said.
Police said investigations into the incident are ongoing.
