Another supporter of the National Unity Platform (NUP) has reportedly been killed in Nsangi, Wakiso District, following campaign activities by party leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, in Mpigi District.
The deceased has been identified as Edward Mukwaya. Witnesses allege that Mukwaya was beaten by men believed to be police officers, an assault they say later resulted in his death.
According to eyewitness accounts, the incident occurred when Mukwaya attempted to intervene as two police officers allegedly assaulted another NUP supporter. Witnesses claim that when Mukwaya asked the officers to stop, they turned on him, beating him with batons.
It is further alleged that Mukwaya tried to flee but was pursued, handcuffed, and severely beaten, after which he collapsed and became unresponsive.
Mukwaya’s brother, Richard Ssentamu, said his sibling lay unattended for more than two hours as the family struggled to secure medical assistance.
“My brother lay on the ground for two hours. When I went to police to ask for permission to take him to hospital, they instead kicked and slapped me and chased me away. It was only after they confirmed he had died that they allowed us to take the body,” Ssentamu said.
However, police have denied responsibility for Mukwaya’s death.
Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Racheal Kawala, responding to a video circulating on social media showing two police officers and a civilian lifting a man believed to be Mukwaya, said officers were attempting to rescue him from an angry mob.
“Our officers intervened to save a man who was being beaten by members of the public after he was accused of stealing a mobile phone. Unfortunately, he died as police were trying to take him to hospital. A case file of assault has been opened, and investigations are ongoing,” Kawala said.
Meanwhile, NUP presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu strongly condemned the incident, accusing security agencies of targeting his supporters.
“Comrade Edward Mukwaya joins the many of our people who have been killed by police and military since our campaigns began. Criminals in uniform continue to murder and detain our supporters because they enjoy protection from Museveni’s system. We believe accountability will one day prevail,” Kyagulanyi said.
The incident has intensified tensions surrounding ongoing campaign activities, with renewed calls for independent investigations into alleged abuses by security forces.
