Police in Kanungu District have arrested two individuals suspected of defacing campaign posters of independent parliamentary candidate Sam Arinaitwe Kajojo ahead of Uganda’s Janaury 15, 2026 General Election.
The suspects, identified as 33-year-old Akim Ayamba of Rumba Cell, Kanungu Town Council, and 25-year-old boda-boda rider Edson Namara of Kanungu Cell, were apprehended after a night-time incident at Kanungu Trading Centre on January 4.
Kigezi regional police spokesman Elly Maate said, ‘It’s alleged that during the night of 04/01/2026 at around 03:00 hours, four men went and maliciously defaced the said posters on a billboard. In the process, a night watchman, Baguma Martin, heard the noise, approached the billboard, and managed to identify the two suspects among others.’
Maate added that the scene was examined, damaged poster exhibits recovered, and efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining suspects.
He warned the public: ‘People should desist from acts of lawlessness, but should always adhere to the Electoral Commission guidelines for the smooth running of the exercise.’
Arinaitwe Kajojo is contesting the Kinkiizi East parliamentary seat alongside ICT and National Guidance Minister Chris Baryomunsi and six other candidates.
The defacement of campaign posters is not a new concern in the region. In November 2025, several candidates in neighboring Kabale District reported that their posters were similarly defaced, allegedly by supporters of rival contenders.
Among the complainants were Kabale District Woman MP aspirant Grace Akunda Bwesigye, and Kabale Municipality aspirants Alex Edgar Muhwezi and Dan Nabaasa Musinguzi.
Kabale District Returning Officer Aisha Nansubuga confirmed receipt of such complaints, urging candidates to report incidents to police for proper investigation.
According to Uganda’s Parliamentary Elections Act 2005, defacing the campaign materials of a legally nominated candidate is illegal.
Offenders face a maximum fine of 24 currency points – equivalent to Shs480, 000, or a one-year jail term, or both.
Election observers have warned that the destruction of campaign materials undermines democratic processes and can escalate tensions during the lead-up to next week’s polls, when Ugandans are set to vote for the next parliament.