Police have arrested over 90 individuals across the country in connection with various electoral offences during the National Resistance Movement (NRM) primary elections, held today, July 17, 2025.
The arrests stem from a coordinated security operation aimed at ensuring peaceful and lawful conduct of the highly anticipated party primaries.
According to a statement issued by the Uganda Police Force, a series of isolated but significant security incidents were registered in parts of the country despite a generally calm voting process in urban centers such as Kampala, Wakiso, Mbale, Mbarara, and Soroti.
“While the majority of areas remained peaceful, our joint security teams responded to a few isolated incidents of violence and crime, resulting in the arrest of over 90 suspects linked to electoral-related offences,” said ACP Kituuma Rusoke the Police Spokesperson.
In Kamuli District, a high-profile incident involved the fatal shooting of Sowed Ilgumbye, who was allegedly fleeing security forces after reportedly kidnapping one Kauma John Bosco.
Five individuals were arrested in connection with this case and are currently assisting in investigations.
In Nakaseke District, a politically charged altercation in Ngoma Town Council turned violent when supporters of two candidates clashed.
Gunfire allegedly from the bodyguard of candidate Phillip Ndamira left one person, Komuzaire Dan, injured. Authorities are pursuing the matter.
Another disturbing incident occurred in Zombo District, where a woman was reportedly shot with arrows on her way back from a political rally. Police are treating the matter as attempted murder.
As part of preventive security measures, police in Isingiro arrested a man, Tumwine Benon, who was found in possession of a hand-thrown grenade.
Meanwhile, in Dokolo, a taxi suspected to be transporting hired bouncers meant to disrupt elections was intercepted and its occupants detained.
Perhaps the most sweeping operation came in Iganga District, where police arrested 69 individuals, believed to be students ferried in from Kampala’s Law Development Centre, allegedly to influence voting outcomes in Nawandala Subcounty.
Kituuma emphasized the continued resolve of law enforcement to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
“The Uganda Police Force and sister security agencies remain committed to ensuring peace, law, and order throughout the electoral process,” he said. “All reported incidents are being thoroughly investigated, and necessary legal action will be taken against the perpetrators.”
The Police have called on the public to remain calm and to support the ongoing efforts to maintain security during the primaries and the broader electoral period.
