Voter shot dead as violence mars NRM grassroots elections
Police have warned that anyone found guilty of disrupting the electoral process will face legal consequences.
Luuka: Police in Luuka District have arrested Detective Corporal Emojong Denis in connection with a deadly shooting incident that occurred during the NRM grassroots elections, leaving one man dead and two others injured.
The deceased has been identified as Lwayanga Swaliki, 30. The two injured victims are Oketch Ivan, a resident of Bulanga Central, and Nabugo Peterson, from Waina Village, Baitambogwe Subcounty, Mayuge District.
The incident took place on May 7, 2025, at Noor Islamic Primary Teachers College playground, located in Luswiga Zone, Nantamu Ward, Bulanga Town Council, where the NRM was conducting a rerun of a previously canceled electoral process due to earlier chaos.
According to ASP Michael Kasadha, spokesperson for the Busoga North Police, violence broke out during vote counting when a group of youth allegedly mobilized by one of the candidates demanded that the returning officer prematurely declare Isebo Sulaimani as the winner.
Police, led by the area Officer in Charge, attempted to restore order but were met with aggression, as the crowd began throwing stones and threatening officials.
Police reportedly discharged live ammunition in an attempt to disperse the mob. During the chaos, Lwayanga Swaliki was fatally shot, while Oketch and Nabugo sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed for medical treatment. The deceased’s body was transported to Iganga General Hospital Mortuary.
In a related incident, Sgt Khaleke Noah, attached to Luuka Central Police Station, was hit in the eye by a stone while transporting the deceased’s body. He has been referred to Jinja Regional Referral Hospital for advanced medical care.
ASP Kasadha confirmed that Corporal Emojong Denis is currently in custody to assist in investigations, and the firearm involved has been recovered for forensic analysis. He urged the public to remain calm and allow the police to conduct thorough inquiries.
Elsewhere in the region, similar electoral violence was reported. In Kamuli District, villagers allegedly fled with voter registers. Police are pursuing the suspects. In Buyende District, clashes were reported at polling stations, though no fatalities have been confirmed.
In Mayuge District, six individuals were arrested following the murder of Peter Kaluya, a supporter of Mr. Isaac Isabirye, after he tried to stop the theft of declaration forms. The suspects are in custody and will be charged with murder.
The violence highlights growing tensions surrounding the NRM grassroots elections, which were held at over 72,000 polling stations nationwide to elect local council leaders under Uganda’s ruling party, the National Resistance Movement (NRM), led by President Yoweri Museveni.
Police have warned that anyone found guilty of disrupting the electoral process will face legal consequences. Authorities continue to monitor volatile areas and have pledged to ensure the safety and integrity of the election process.
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