Five injured in Arua NRM campaign clashes
This incident adds to a growing list of disturbances reported during the NRM primaries across the country.
Arua: A joint campaign rally for National Resistance Movement (NRM) parliamentary candidates in Ayivu East Division, Arua City, turned violent on July 12, 2025, leaving five people injured and causing significant property damage, according to regional police authorities.
The incident underscores growing concerns about electoral violence in Uganda’s increasingly polarized political environment, particularly in volatile regions like Arua.
SP Collins Asea, the West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson, confirmed the unrest, stating that tensions erupted during a multi-candidate campaign event held at the former Aroi Sub-County Headquarters one of three campaign venues scheduled for the day.
Five NRM candidates, Hon. Feta Geoffrey, Hon. Sr. Zoe Bakoko Bakoru, Eng. Tiyo William Taylor Odaa, Hajj Anguyo Musa, and Naku Eza I’bo Ezra had organized campaign activities at Eraka Trading Center, Alarava Church, and Aroi Headquarters.
While events at Eraka and Alarava remained relatively calm, Aroi became the flashpoint for violence.
“Our officers had monitored early signs of tension. Hon. Feta’s supporters were mobilizing aggressively with music and large gatherings,” SP Asea said.
According to police, violence flared after a supporter of Eng. Tiyo William Taylor Odaa was attacked by Feta’s supporters while riding a motorcycle near the Aroi venue. The altercation quickly escalated into stone-throwing, physical confrontations, and widespread disorder between rival camps.
Among the injured was Ras P, a local musician and composer of Feta’s campaign anthem, who suffered a jaw injury but remained at the scene.
Fred, a supporter of Sr. Zoe Bakoko Bakoru, faced verbal abuse followed by a brutal attack with sticks and stones, sustaining serious head injuries and later being rushed to Aroi Health Centre III.
Another supporter of Sr. Zoe also sustained head injuries and required hospitalization. Meanwhile, a vehicle was vandalized, with its windshield, mirrors, and sound system destroyed by Feta’s supporters.
Law enforcement intervened to disperse the crowd, but the intensity of the conflict led to the suspension of the rally. All candidates were advised to halt further campaign activities for the day in the interest of public safety.
In total, five individuals were injured and received treatment at Aroi Health Centre III and Arua Regional Referral Hospital.
Police have opened investigations into assault causing bodily harm and malicious damage to property, though identifying individual perpetrators has proven difficult due to mob dynamics and low witness cooperation.
“We’re dealing with a charged political atmosphere and limited community cooperation. Investigations are ongoing,” SP Asea noted.
This latest incident is not isolated. Arua has a long-standing history of intra-party tensions and electoral violence, particularly within the NRM itself.
Similar disturbances occurred during the 2021 general elections, which were marred by factionalism, voter intimidation, and violence involving both security forces and rival party supporters.
Analysts note that deep-rooted political rivalries, historical grievances, and inadequate conflict resolution mechanisms continue to turn electoral campaigns into flashpoints for violence.
Local authorities are now calling for enhanced security protocols and structured dialogue among political actors to prevent further escalation.
“We urge all stakeholders candidates, party leaders, and supporters to prioritize peace, tolerance, and respect for the rule of law,” SP Asea emphasized.
The clash in Ayivu East highlights the urgent need for systemic electoral reforms and the development of robust conflict mitigation frameworks to ensure Uganda’s democratic processes remain free, fair, and nonviolent.
Story filed by Mike Rwothomio and Moses Alinda
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