Top Story: Violence Erupts Ahead of NRM Mayoral Primaries in Jinja City; Six Arrested
JINJA CITY — Tensions ran high in Loco Village, Southern Division, on Monday evening as violent clashes broke out between rival supporters during the NRM mayoral primaries campaign, leaving 13 people injured and six arrested.
The incident, which occurred around 5:00 PM on July 22 in Loco Cell, saw supporters of mayoral aspirant Mr. Faruwa Kitakule allegedly attack the campaign team of his opponent, Mr. Rogers Egesa Anjoga, sparking chaos just days before the highly anticipated party primaries scheduled for Thursday.
Kiira Region Police spokesperson SP James Mubi confirmed that a joint security team was swiftly deployed to de-escalate the situation. Among the damage reported were a Tuk Tuk that was set on fire and a motor vehicle with smashed windshields.
The six suspects arrested face charges of assault and malicious damage to property. All injured individuals are currently receiving treatment at Jinja Main Hospital.
Regional Police Commander SSP Charles Nsaba has since called for an urgent harmonization meeting between the candidates and their supporters in an effort to restore calm ahead of the vote.
Condemning the violence, Deputy Resident District Commissioner for Jinja Southern Division, Mr. Martin Kasonzi, warned political actors against inciting unrest. “Uganda is a democratic country. Every leader has the right to contest peacefully without intimidation or violence,” he stated.
The confrontation is believed to have erupted as both candidates concluded separate campaign rallies in the same area and their teams crossed paths, leading to the explosive encounter.
As tensions simmer, security forces have vowed to maintain order in the lead-up to the NRM primaries, which are expected to set the tone for local leadership contests in the region.
