At least five people were hospitalized following violent clashes between rival supporters during a joint open campaign for National Resistance Movement (NRM) party parliamentary aspirants in Ayivu East Division on Saturday, July 12, 2025.
The campaign event featured five aspirants including Geoffrey Feta, Zoe Bakoko Bakoru, Eng. William Tiyo Taylor Odaa, Hajj Musa Anguyo, and Ezra Naku Eza I’bo.
Campaign activities were scheduled across three venues: Eraka Trading Center, the former Aroi Sub-County Headquarters, and Alarava Church.
While the event at Eraka Trading Center was conducted peacefully, violence erupted at the former Aroi Sub-County Headquarters, leading to injuries and damage to property.
“Our officers, led by the Division Police Commander (DPC), arrived to monitor the campaigns and found supporters of Geoffrey Feta dancing and playing music on the road from Lokiragodo to the venue,” said SP Collins Asea, the West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson.
The situation escalated when a supporter of Eng. William Tiyo Taylor Odaa arrived on a motorcycle and was allegedly attacked by supporters of Geoffrey Feta. A physical altercation followed between the rival groups, involving the hurling of stones and physical confrontations.
Among those injured was Ras P, a local musician known for composing Feta’s campaign song, who was struck on the jaw during the melee.
“Our officers intervened to disperse the crowd and restore order, but unfortunately, tensions escalated further,” SP Asea said.
In a separate incident, a man identified only as Fred, a supporter of Zoe Bakoko Bakoru, was allegedly attacked by Feta’s supporters as he passed near the venue. He sustained severe head injuries after being beaten with sticks and stones.
“Despite our officers’ efforts to rescue him, Fred was seriously injured and was rushed to Aroi Health Centre III for emergency treatment,” SP Asea confirmed.
The violence intensified as Feta’s supporters reportedly vandalized a vehicle parked nearby—shattering the windshield, side mirrors, and damaging a music system.
“Stones continued to be exchanged between rival groups. Another supporter of Zoe Bakoko Bakoru sustained a head injury and was later admitted to hospital,” SP Asea added.
Police used vehicle UP 4838 to transport the injured—estimated at five individuals—to Aroi Health Centre III and Arua Regional Referral Hospital.
In response to the chaos, campaign activities at the venue were immediately suspended.
“Campaigns at the former Aroi Sub-County Headquarters were halted. No further campaign activity took place for the rest of the day,” said SP Asea.
The Uganda Police Force has launched investigations into the incidents, focusing on malicious damage to property and assault.
“We are investigating the offenses committed and will ensure that those responsible for inciting or participating in the violence are brought to book,” SP Asea emphasized.
The incident has raised concerns over political intolerance ahead of the NRM party primaries in Ayivu East. Community leaders and security agencies have appealed to all candidates and their supporters to maintain peace and uphold democratic values during the election period.