A violent incident involving gunfire broke out in Ngoma Town Council, Nakaseke North, just a day before the NRM party primaries, underscoring growing political tensions in the region. Dan Komuzaire, a resident of Gomero and supporter of incumbent MP Enock Nyongore, was shot twice in the shoulder on Wednesday afternoon after a confrontation with occupants of a suspicious vehicle believed to be associated with a rival candidate.
The shooting occurred around 4:38 pm, according to ASP Sam Twiineamazima, the Savannah Regional Police Spokesperson, who described the act as politically motivated. Komuzaire had reportedly approached a blue Toyota Wish (UBR 690T) — allegedly linked to bodyguards of Philip Tumukunde Ndamira, one of Nyongore’s strongest challengers — to question its presence on the road. A scuffle ensued, during which Komuzaire allegedly threw stones at the car and was subsequently shot by one of the armed occupants dressed in civilian clothing.
Police responded to the scene, gathered eyewitness accounts, and rushed the victim to Mengo Hospital. A manhunt is underway for the suspected shooter, and authorities are working to recover the weapon used. Ndamira could not be reached for comment by press time.
The incident has cast a shadow over the July 17, 2025, NRM primaries, where Nyongore faces a crowded and competitive field including Ndamira, Wilber Manyisa Ahebwa, Julius Nabimanya, Jovian K. Ampaire Nanduga, and Fred Mwesigye Isanga.
Earlier in the day, NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson Dr Tanga Odoi had singled out Nakaseke North as one of the constituencies under tight watch due to a high likelihood of unrest. He condemned all forms of electoral violence and warned that the party may disqualify candidates or cancel elections where chaos is instigated.
Though calm has returned to Ngoma following the police intervention, law enforcement has appealed to both supporters and candidates to remain peaceful and avoid acts of provocation during and after the primaries.
“This incident is both unfortunate and criminal. We are treating it as attempted murder and are committed to bringing the culprits to justice,” ASP Twiineamazima emphasized.
The shooting is part of a broader pattern of election-related violence that has marred several regions ahead of the NRM internal elections, raising wider concerns about security, transparency, and discipline within the party. With tensions escalating, stakeholders are calling for a more peaceful and orderly electoral process.
