At least six people were killed in election violence as the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Uganda elected party flag-bearers ahead of the 2021 general elections on Friday.
Police has confirmed that the violence in Isingiro, Katakwi, Namutumba and Tororo districts on Friday claimed at least six as majority protested results of the party primaries.
Police identified the deceased as Gordon Muhumuza, Wilber Nkabandiho and Bright Musa. The details of three others are yet to be confirmed.
The Rwizi Region police spokesperson, Mr Samson Kasasira, said Muhumuza, 20, was beaten to death by a mob in Rwakakwenda Parish, Kabuyanda Sub-county in Isingiro South for allegedly trying to interfere with the election process.
“The suspects are known and police is tracking them so that they are prosecuted in court,” Mr Kasasira said.
Nkabandiho, 26, a resident of Katwengye Village in Isingiro Town Council was reportedly shot dead by a UPDF soldier at a polling station.
“A presiding officer refused to declare who had won and wanted to take off with the papers. In the process of trying to disperse the angry crowd, a UPDF soldier ended up shooting dead one of the voters,” Mr Kasasira said.
He added that Pte Siddi Katikiro and two other alleged accomplices have been arrested.
Another case of shooting by UPDF soldiers was registered at Rugaga Trading Centre in Bukanga North.
Mr Kasasira said Musa died while being taken to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital for treatment.
He was shot as soldiers were dispersing violent supporters of Mr Jeremiah Kamurari. He however said investigations into the matter are ongoing.
Another person was confirmed dead in Katakwi District; Teddy Akiror, a resident of Kapujan Village, Kapujan Sub-county who was shot dead following violence that erupted between the supporters of the incumbent district chairperson, Mr Walter Elakas, and the incumbent Toroma MP, Mr Andrew Joseph Kolou.
In Tororo, the NRM registrar, Mr Sinambiyo Oketcho, was knocked dead by a vehicle.
Voting was suspended in Bukono constituency after an agent of State Minister for Lands, Ms Persis Namuganza, was killed.
In other areas such as Kiruhura, there were protests after the incumbent, Col Fred Mwesigye, was announced winner of Nyabushozi. The supporters of Wilson Kajwengye protested, saying the results were doctored.
In several other areas, voting was suspended due to electoral violence between supporters of rival camps including Mawogola North where Shatsi Kuteesa -daughter of Sam Kutesa and Sodo Kaguta -president Museveni’s brother are fighting for a parliamentary seat.
Elections in Jinja District were marred with gloomy scenes with supporters engaging in bloody fights.
In Ntungamo, State minister for Labour, Mwesigwa Rukutana and his three escorts were arrested and detained following a shooting incident that one person critically injured.
In the newly-created Rwampara District, the two contestants for the seat declared themselves winners creating confusion.
In Kinkizi East, State Minister for Urban Planning Chris Baryomunsi protested the results and the process had to be suspended.
In Sheema South, Kazo District, Dodoth East and Moroto Municipality, the results were also not announced because of the protests.