NAMUTUMBA — Three people have been arrested in Namutumba District following a confrontation between police and a group of people protesting the outcome of a Local Council I (LC1) election.
The incident occurred on August 5 in Bulogo Village, Namutumba North Ward, Namutumba Town Council, after supporters of an unsuccessful LC1 chairperson candidate reportedly headed to the Electoral Commission offices to challenge the declared result.
The suspects are Isabirye Faruku, Walugada Moses and Isabirye Moses. Police allege that Mr Faruku was the leader of the group.
Mr Faruku had contested for the LC1 chairperson position and lost to Muwite Moses in the recently held village elections.
Busoga East Regional Police spokesperson ASP Michael Kasadha said the group began its march at Nakalokwe Church of Uganda at about 10:30am before heading towards the Electoral Commission offices.
He said the protesters were chanting and beating drums while claiming that the wrong candidate had been declared winner.
Protest turns confrontational
The demonstration attracted the attention of the Namutumba District Police Commander, SP Byansi Muhamed, who led officers to the scene.
According to police, officers initially attempted to engage the protesters and de-escalate the situation.
The situation allegedly deteriorated when some members of the group began throwing stones at police officers.
ASP Kasadha said officers responded by firing warning shots into the air before dispersing the crowd.
Police said the action was intended to restore order and prevent damage to the Electoral Commission offices and protect members of the public.
No injuries were reported in the information released by police.
Motorcycles impounded
During the operation, police impounded two Bajaj Boxer motorcycles, registration numbers UFB 268F and UFX 343J.
Investigators suspect the motorcycles were used to mobilise people to participate in the demonstration.
The three suspects were subsequently taken to Central Police Station (CPS) Namutumba.
They are being investigated for alleged incitement to violence under SD REF 35/05/08/2026.
Police investigation
ASP Kasadha said investigations into the incident were still ongoing.
The arrests follow the conclusion of the LC1 elections, during which candidates and their supporters were expected to pursue any complaints or disputes through established electoral and legal procedures.
Police have urged individuals dissatisfied with election results to use lawful channels to challenge the outcome rather than organise demonstrations that could lead to confrontation.
The exact circumstances surrounding the alleged violence, including the actions of individual protesters, will be established through the ongoing investigations.