Police said at least 78 suspects were charged in court following election-related offences recorded during the recently concluded Local Council 1 (LC1) elections across the Kampala Metropolitan Area.
Addressing journalists on Monday, August 3, Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson SP Racheal Kawala revealed that security forces arrested a total of 150 suspects over incidents linked to the polls held on July 29 and August 1.
Despite the arrests, Kawala described the exercise as largely peaceful, save for isolated cases of violence and disorder.
“Out of the 150 suspects that were arrested in the Kampala Metropolitan Area, a total of 78 suspects have so far been arraigned before the court of law. Some of the arrested suspects were cautioned, others were released on police bond, while several cases remain under active investigation,” Kawala said.
The suspects face various charges, including assault, interference with the electoral process, attempted murder, forgery, incitement to violence, and malicious damage to property.
Among the most serious incidents under active investigation is an attempted murder case registered at Mpigi Central Police Station.
According to police, the incident occurred on July 28 in Rwonga Village, Namasa County, Mpigi District, where two suspects-identified as Moses Chiwani and Mohamed Mutebi-allegedly stabbed a voter while he was standing in line to cast his ballot.
“The incident occurred while the victim had lined up to cast his vote. Investigations into the matter are ongoing,” Kawala stated.
Police are also probing a case of malicious poisoning of livestock reported on August 2 in Karagala Village, Ssunga Town Council, Mpigi District. Unknown persons allegedly poisoned goats belonging to a local resident. Preliminary investigations indicate the victim was targeted due to her perceived support for a rival LC1 candidate.
In Wakiso District, police on July 31 foiled an unlawful demonstration in Masajja, Ssabagabo Municipality. A group of youth reportedly blocked a road in Chibirabi by setting up charcoal stoves to cook and eat on the carriageway, severely disrupting traffic.
“We found several exhibits, including the food they were cooking, saucepans, and charcoal stoves,” Kawala said. “It is alleged that the group was expressing dissatisfaction with the outcome of the recent elections in their area.”
While commending the generally peaceful conduct of the LC1 polls, police issued a stern warning against violence ahead of the upcoming Local Council 2 (LC2) parish elections scheduled for later this month.
Kawala emphasized that security agencies would maintain heavy deployments across the Kampala Metropolitan Policing Area to ensure the next phase of elections remains orderly.
“The Uganda Police Force strongly condemns all acts of election-related violence. We wish to categorically state that we shall not tolerate any form of violence, disorder, or disruption of public peace,” she warned.
She urged dissatisfied candidates and their supporters to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and instead seek legal redress.
“We call upon all those dissatisfied with the election results to seek lawful redress through the court of law rather than resorting to violence,” Kawala added. “Security agencies will take firm action against anyone who attempts to disrupt the elections or undermine public order.”