150 Arrested in KMP Over LC I Election Violence

Violence that erupted during the recently concluded Local Council I (LC1) elections across the Kampala Metropolitan Area left more than 150 people in police custody due to election-related offences. The LC1 elections, held on July 28, were marred by violence, protests and other irregularities in several parts of the country, with the Kampala Metropolitan Area recording the highest number of incidents.

Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson Rachel Kawala said the suspects were arrested in incidents reported across the North, South and East policing divisions of the metropolitan area. According to police, the violence was largely triggered by disputes over election results and disagreements regarding the voters’ register. The reported offences include malicious damage to property, attempted murder, assault, interference with the electoral process, forgery and other election-related crimes.

So far, 78 suspects have been arraigned before court, while others remain in police custody. Kawala said some suspects will be cautioned and released, but those linked to serious offences will be prosecuted. In one of the incidents under investigation, Mukono Police are probing an attempted murder reported on July 28 in Ruwunga Village, Nama Sub-county. Two suspects, Moses Kiwanuka and Muhammad Mutebi, allegedly stabbed a voter who was lining up to cast his ballot. Police said the pair is in custody while efforts to arrest their alleged accomplices continue.

Police are also investigating a separate incident in Kalagala Village where unknown people allegedly poisoned goats belonging to a resident because of his perceived political support for a rival LC1 candidate. In Kibira B Zone, Massajja, in Makindye-Ssabagabo Municipality, Katwe Police arrested four youths who allegedly blocked a road during a protest by cooking food in the middle of the road and assaulting motorists and pedestrians. Police recovered several exhibits, including saucepans and food items.

“We categorically inform the public that we will not tolerate any form of violence, disorder or disruption of public peace. We urge anyone dissatisfied with election outcomes to seek legal redress instead of resorting to violence,” Kawala said. Protests were also reported in parts of Wakiso District, including Senge and Nansana, where security personnel comprising Police and the UPDF used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse residents protesting the declaration of village election results. 

Protesters alleged that candidates who had lost were fraudulently declared winners. With Local Council II elections scheduled for August 10, police say security deployments will be intensified to deter similar incidents.


Meanwhile, Electoral Commission spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi urged candidates and voters to use the commission’s complaint mechanisms instead of engaging in violence.