Meshach Okello, a supporter of opposition presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, was laid to rest on Sunday in Buyende District after being shot dead during a campaign rally in Iganga District.
The incident was condemned by the Electoral Commission on Saturday as its chairperson James Byabakama warned against the escalating tensions ahead of Uganda’s January 2026 elections.
Okello, 33, a Human Resource Management graduate who sold timber for a living, died Thursday after he was shot dead by security forces during a campaign activity of the National Unity Platform (NUP) party at the Railway Grounds in Iganga Municipality.
He is survived by six children and three wives. Uganda will hold its next General Election on January 15, 2026 to decide a new president in a race that has attracted 8 contenders including incumbent Museveni and Bobi Wine.
Police said the shooting occurred during an operation to disperse what they described as ‘unruly and violent crowds’ following Bobi Wine’s rally.
During the burial, local leaders and politicians called for accountability and condemned the killing.
‘Let us not kill our children and colleagues. Let us do what is expected of us. Today you have power, tomorrow you may not,’ said Mr Difansi Kalani, Speaker of Ndolwa Sub-county Council.
Ms Mutesi Kayanga, Female Councilor for Mutukula Sub-county in Iganga District, extended condolences to the family.
‘I send my heartfelt condolences to the relatives of the deceased, especially the widows. Be strong. It is God’s plan. We are deeply concerned about what happened,’ she said.
Rev. Kitimbo Robert, Vicar of Wesunire Parish in Buyende, urged mourners to reflect on life’s uncertainty.
‘No one knows the day, time, or type of death. Meshaki didn’t know he would die on November 29, but God knew. Let us prepare ourselves as we accept Jesus Christ,’ he preached.
NUP leaders have since vowed legal action. Jinja South East parliamentary candidate Paul Mwiru, representing the party president at the burial, said the government must answer for the shooting.
‘This government is carrying laws in their hands by killing people. They told us they don’t know who killed him, but they will find out. We want justice for Meshaki,’ Mwiru said.
Abedi Nasser Mudiobole, NUP’s Iganga flagbearer who witnessed the shooting, described Okello as peaceful.
‘I was there when Meshaki was shot dead. I have never seen anyone stoning or pointing at a police officer during the three rallies I attended in Iganga. People of Iganga are peaceful,’ he said.
Mudiobole added that an unmarked vehicle arrived and ‘started shooting,’ claiming some violence was staged.
The Uganda Police Force confirmed the incident in a statement on X, alleging officers faced ‘sustained attacks, including stone-throwing allegedly incited by the candidate.’
The police said several officers were injured and patrol vehicles damaged, warning that confronting security personnel ‘poses grave risks and will be met with firm, decisive action.’
But Bobi Wine condemned the shooting as a ‘cold-blooded murder,’ accusing security forces of targeting peaceful supporters.
‘After a very successful rally, police and military attacked us again as our supporters were going home. They fired live bullets at peaceful people, killing at least one comrade and injuring several others,’ he said, identifying Okello as shot through the head.
He named three others hospitalized as Samuel Nuwamanya (24), Naminya Banuli (44), and Faima Namusobya (24).
The party alleges security agents removed other bodies from the scene, though this is still being verified. Kyagulanyi added: ‘Museveni and his criminal regime must be held accountable for these crimes against humanity.’
Uganda’s political climate has been tense since campaigns began a month ago, with similar violence reported during the 2021 elections in the Busoga sub-region, leading to nationwide protests and arrests.
As Okello was laid to rest, mourners called for justice and accountability, mourning a young man described as ‘humble, hardworking, and peace-loving.’