At least 10 officers of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and three Uganda Police officers were injured in an accident during election patrol operations in Jewa Town Council, Mbale District, on Election Day.
“The incident is unfortunate, and we are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding it,” said Rogers Taitika, Elgon Region Police Spokesperson.
The officers were carrying out operations to maintain calm in Bungokho North County, identified as a hotspot for electoral violence. The accident involved the driver of the pickup vehicle in which the officers were traveling, but the exact cause was not disclosed.
Eight of the 13 injured officers are receiving treatment at Mbale Regional Hospital. Despite the accident, Taitika said the election process in the region remained largely peaceful, with only a few isolated incidents reported in Sironko and Bulambuli districts.
In Bulambuli, presidential candidate Nathan Nandala Mafabi was reportedly assaulted and injured by a mob in Bugusege Sub-County, Sironko District, and was hospitalized.
“We condemn this act of violence and urge the public to allow the electoral process to proceed peacefully,” Taitika said.
In the same district, unknown assailants set fire to the vehicle of parliamentary candidate Vincent Weboya, representing Budadiri East.
30 people were arrested in Sironko in connection with election violence, found in possession of pangas and knives. Investigations are ongoing.
“We will not tolerate any form of violence or lawlessness, and we urge the public to cooperate with us to ensure peaceful elections,” Taitika said.