At least three people were killed and 34 others arrested following night-long protests in Luweero Town Council on Thursday, sparked by tensions over the handling of election results.
The protests began around 7:00pm after security personnel blocked voters from accessing the Luweero Islamic Primary School polling station, where vote counting was taking place.
Supporters of National Unity Platform (NUP) candidates alleged a lack of transparency, claiming the move was an attempt to rig the elections in favor of National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidates.
“The people are angry, and they want their voices heard,” said a local NUP supporter. “We demand transparency and fairness in the electoral process.”
The situation escalated, with protesters mounting barricades and burning tyres along the Kampala-Gulu highway, disrupting traffic for several hours.
Police and UPDF soldiers responded with tear gas and live bullets, leading to the deaths of three people: Sarah Nagayi, 36, Ibrahim Sserubiri, 18, and Robert Sseninde.
“We are deeply concerned about the loss of life and the destruction of property,” said Savannah Regional Police Spokesperson Sam Twiineamazima. “We will not tolerate any form of violence or lawlessness.”
Thirty-four people were arrested during the protests for allegedly throwing stones, burning tyres, and blocking the road.
They are being held at Luweero Central Police Station and face charges of inciting violence and destroying the road.
Security forces have regained control of the town, with a heavy presence maintained in Luwero Town Council. The declaration of presidential and parliamentary election results is still pending.