Tensions have flared in Uganda’s eastern city of Jinja ahead of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) mayoral primaries, with violent clashes reported between rival camps vying for the Jinja South Division seat.
The confrontation broke out on Tuesday evening during a campaign rally in Loco Village, a local fishing community, where supporters of NRM candidates Mr Anjoga Rogers Egesa and Mr Faruwa Kitakule have been locked in a bitter rivalry since the structural delegate elections.
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According to eyewitnesses, the violence was allegedly sparked when Kitakule’s supporters ambushed Anjoga’s campaign team, attacking them with machetes. A tuk-tuk (three-wheeled motorcycle) was set ablaze, and a car’s windscreen was shattered during the altercation. Thirteen people sustained injuries and were rushed to Jinja Regional Referral Hospital, several in critical condition.
Abudala, the driver of the tuk-tuk, said the team had been peacefully canvassing for votes when they were attacked. “Fortunately, police intervened before things got worse,” he said.
Mr Anjoga said the situation escalated after a woman approached him, claiming her son—a supporter of his campaign—had been assaulted. “When I went to check on him, Kitakule’s group attacked us, set fire to my tuk-tuk and car, and beat up people,” he added.
Jinja South Division Deputy Resident City Commissioner, Mr. Martine Kasonzi, strongly condemned the violence and issued a stern warning to all candidates and their supporters.
“We live in a democratic country where people should vote freely without being threatened or attacked,” he said. “Security has been deployed to maintain peace, and anyone caught violating electoral laws will be arrested and prosecuted.”
Kiira Regional Police Commander, Mr. Charles Nsaba, also denounced the incident, noting that law enforcement had previously quelled similar clashes during the recent NRM parliamentary primaries.
“I call on all candidates to control their supporters,” Mr. Nsaba said. “Violence will not be tolerated, and those involved will face the full force of the law.”
The NRM primaries for the Jinja South Division mayoral seat are scheduled to take place on Thursday.
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