Two UPDF Soldiers Arrested Over Sembabule Election Violence

Two soldiers are in custody following violence that erupted in Sembabule District on the eve of the Local Council III elections. The arrests stem from a violent confrontation between supporters of two rival candidates contesting the Sembabule Town Council chairperson seat, during which two people were shot and critically injured.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday in Kiwuula Village, Sembabule Town Council. According to preliminary findings, agents of George William, the National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate, intercepted two vehicles belonging to their rival, independent candidate Jackson Murungi Bashira.

The agents reportedly suspected Murungi’s team of engaging in late-night voter bribery ahead of the elections scheduled for Wednesday. During the ensuing scuffle, soldiers attached to Murungi as escorts allegedly opened fire. The shooting left two people injured. Police identified the victims as Rogers Ssekiwala and Meddie Male Kawuki. Ssekiwala remains admitted at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital, while Kawuki is receiving treatment at Sembabule Health Centre IV.

The Greater Masaka Regional Police Spokesperson, Twaha Kasirye, confirmed on Wednesday evening that police are holding two suspects in connection with the shooting. However, he declined to disclose their identities. Kasirye also said police have summoned Jackson Murungi to record a statement to aid ongoing investigations.

Meanwhile, Expedito Musoke, who sustained minor injuries to his hands, accused the soldiers of firing bullets into people’s houses during the night. Musoke alleged that the soldiers beat agents who attempted to stop them from bribing voters and flogged several residents, accusing them of supporting Murungi’s opponent.Murungi has denied the allegations, saying he did not order his escorts to attack anyone. He maintained that his team acted in self-defense after coming under attack from what he described as rowdy NUP supporters.