By Patricia Nakayima

Uganda’s recent elections were marred by violence that claimed lives and left several others injured, particularly in the Buganda region, where political competition between the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the leading opposition party, the National Unity Platform (NUP), intensified.

Yoweri Kaguta Museveni was declared the winner of the 15th January election, with 71.6%, while Bobi Wine polled 24.7%.

Buganda, a region that has largely supported NUP candidates in previous elections, witnessed heightened tension as NRM sought to reclaim political ground.

Violence reportedly broke out after NUP flag bearers and their agents raised concerns over alleged vote rigging, leading to confrontations at polling stations and different tally centres.

In Butambala District, six people died after security forces fired live ammunition to disperse crowds at the district tally centre. Opposition lawmaker Muwanga Kivumbi claims the victims were protesting election irregularities. Police, however, says the deceased were part of a group that had travelled from Kampala to incite violence and intercept trucks carrying ballot boxes to the tally centre to interfere with election results.

“The group of goons attacked the district police headquarters and the District tally centre with stones and other arms, prompting officers to respond with force,” says Kituuma Rusoke, the Uganda police spokesperson.

 Police noted that in this incident, twenty-one others were injured and arrested.

Similar incidents were reported in Luweero and Mukono Districts, areas also dominated by opposition support. In Mukono, a late-night security operation at the home of Abdallah Kiwanuka, the NUP flag bearer and sitting Member of Parliament, resulted in the death of his 25-year-old brother, Imam Mukama, who was reportedly shot while standing outside the house.

Witnesses say security personnel later ordered family members inside to lie down and confiscated their phones.

“They got us from our bedrooms and paraded us in the sitting room. We were beaten badly, and these men forced us to lie down. While our brother was screaming for help from outside, we were inside hearing but couldn’t help. ” Says a relative to Abdallah.

In Kampala, violence was widespread, though fewer deaths were recorded. In areas such as Kibuye, residents reported shootings, beatings, and arrests, with several people sustaining serious injuries.

In the days following the election, movement across several parts of the country was heavily restricted, creating a curfew-like atmosphere. On January 16 and 17, residents reported that anyone found moving on the roads risked arrest, even without explanation. According to eyewitnesses, officers from the Uganda Police Force arrested people simply for being outside their homes, forcing many to remain indoors both day and night. Streets were largely deserted as fear spread. Communities described the period as an unofficial lockdown enforced by security operatives.

On January 17, the day the presidential results were announced, opposition presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu said his home had been raided and remains under security siege. Speaking to international media company Aljazeera, Kyagulanyi says he escaped during the operation in hiding for his safety.

Amid the election season, the Uganda Red Cross Society appealed for calmness to urge Ugandans to prioritise peace and the protection of life.

The organisation reminded citizens that while governments and leaders can change through elections, life once lost cannot be restored.

“As we navigate through the ongoing election period, the Uganda Red Cross Society calls on everyone to prioritise safety, peace, and unity. Elections can bring heightened emotions, and it’s crucial for all of us to remain calm and look out for one another.” Red Cross posted on X continuously.

However, the chief of defence forces, also the first son of Muhoozi Kainerugaba, said on his X platform that 22 people, whom he claimed to be NUP Terrorists, had been killed.

Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission maintained that, the election process was largely peaceful across the country, despite reports of violence in some areas.

While police maintain that their actions were necessary to prevent chaos and protect public order, the deaths and injuries recorded across different areas have reignited debates on electoral violence, the conduct of security forces, and the cost of political competition in the country.