Two people were killed on Tuesday in Bumwenge Town Council, Jinja District, during violence arising from the Local Council One elections held countrywide.
Kiira Regional Police Spokesperson, Mr James Mubi, said violence erupted at Buwenge Progressive Academy Polling Station in Kabi Zone after a group of youths allegedly led by an LC1 chairperson candidate stormed the polling station and disrupted the voting process.
According to police, the group allegedly attacked Electoral Commission officials and security personnel after the candidate reportedly boycotted the election when his rival, Mr Nabikambi Muzamiru, took the lead and was later declared the winner.
“His supporters allegedly returned to the polling station, where they confronted election officials and security personnel, escalating the situation,” Mr Mubi said.
He explained that police officers deployed in the area fired warning shots into the air in an attempt to restore order.
During the chaos, Mr Fred Kalulu, 19, was struck by a stray bullet and died at the scene, while Mr Latibu Ikaali, 23, later died at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital after sustaining gunshot injuries.
The bodies were taken to the hospital mortuary pending post-mortem examinations.
Police have since named two suspects accused of actively instigating the violent confrontation which led to the loss of lives.
Kiira Regional Police Commander Mr Charles Nsaba urged residents to reject political violence and resolve election-related disputes peacefully.
“We urge all communities to shun violence and politics of hate and instead resolve political differences through lawful and peaceful means,” he said.
Meanwhile, Jinja Resident City Commissioner Mr Salim Komakech said all postponed LC1 elections in Jinja City, including those in Alidina Road and Kisima I villages, were successfully concluded without any incident.
The Electoral Commissioner has since ordered fresh Local Council I elections in 1,135 villages after voting failed to take place or could not be completed during the nationwide polls.
EC Chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama said the elections were largely peaceful and successful, with voting completed in 70,079 of the country’s 71,214 villages, representing a 98.4 percent success rate.