Seven Arrested as Election Violence Erupts in Namutumba, Several Injured

Police in Busoga East arrested seven individuals in connection with a violent clash between rival political supporters in Namutumba District, leaving at least eight people injured and three vehicles torched.

The chaos broke out on Sunday afternoon in Bubutya village, Bulange sub-county, during a campaign standoff between supporters of incumbent Busiki County MP, Paul Akamba, and his political rival, Joel Azalwa. The two candidates, both affiliated with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), allegedly disregarded internal party guidelines that require joint campaigns to avoid confrontations.

According to eyewitnesses, Azalwa and his supporters had arrived at the scheduled campaign venue earlier in the day. Tensions flared when Akamba’s team arrived nearly two hours later, accusing Azalwa of disrupting their campaign schedule.

“Akamba’s team demanded that Azalwa leave immediately. When he refused, the situation quickly escalated from verbal insults to physical violence,” one eyewitness recounted.

Supporters from both camps reportedly engaged in a violent exchange, wielding machetes, hoes, and other sharp tools. Among the victims was a bystander, identified as the brother of Damalie Namono, who was returning from the garden when he was caught up in the fray.

“My brother sustained deep cuts on his hand and is now admitted at Namutumba Health Centre III. He was never part of the campaign; he just happened to be passing by,” Namono said.

Busoga East Police Spokesperson, ASP Michael Kafayo, confirmed the arrest of seven suspects believed to have incited and participated in the violence. He noted that the injured were rushed to different health facilities in Namutumba District for treatment.

“We have eight confirmed cases of injuries and are investigating the circumstances under which three vehicles, whose number plates have yet to be identified, were set ablaze,” Kafayo stated.

Police responded by firing tear gas to disperse the rowdy crowds. Both Akamba and Azalwa were safely escorted from the scene to their respective residences under police protection.

Kafayo revealed that the arrested suspects will face charges of causing physical harm and malicious damage, in line with Uganda’s electoral and criminal laws.

“These acts of violence are not only unlawful but also undermine the spirit of democracy. We call on all candidates to adhere to party guidelines and the law,” he warned.

The incident comes amid heightened political activity in the run-up to the 2026 general elections, with several constituencies already witnessing early tensions. The NRM party leadership is yet to issue a formal statement on the incident.

Meanwhile, security has been heightened in the area to prevent any further clashes, and investigations into the property damage and identity of all perpetrators are ongoing.

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