By KT Reporter
Police in Adjumani District are investigating allegations of voter bribery and election-related violence that erupted during the District LC5 campaigns, leaving three people injured.
The violence reportedly broke out on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Ukusijoni Trading Centre following claims that individuals allegedly linked to Ben Anyama, the incumbent LC5 chairperson contesting as an independent candidate, were distributing money to voters.
The allegations reportedly heightened tensions with supporters of John Anyanzo Ambayo, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer.
According to Collins Asea, the North West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson, initial clashes linked to the alleged voter bribery began around midday.
“At about 12:00 hours, police received reports of violent clashes connected to alleged voter bribery involving agents of the independent candidate. Some suspects were arrested and detained at Adjumani Central Police Station as investigations commenced,” Asea said.
Police said the situation later escalated at around 1:30 p.m. when a vehicle allegedly associated with the independent candidate arrived at Ukusijoni Trading Centre, accompanied by a group of youths reportedly armed with bamboo sticks and pangas.
“After approximately 30 minutes, a vehicle registered to Mr. Anyama Ben (registration details not captured) arrived, accompanied by youths armed with bamboo sticks and pangas. They began assaulting individuals suspected of supporting Anyanzo,” Asea added.
Police identified the injured victims as Godfrey Abele, 24, Goodwill Jude, 18, and Bosco Ekima, 45, all residents of Odranga Village. The victims reportedly sustained injuries during the clashes and were assisted by community members before police intervened.
During the violence, an unregistered motorcycle believed to have been used by the attackers was set ablaze by an angry mob. In addition, the windscreen of a Toyota vehicle, registration number SSD 574CD—suspected to have been linked to the alleged money distribution—was vandalized.
Meanwhile, the Adjumani Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Shauib Toko, condemned voter bribery and election-related violence, warning candidates and their supporters against engaging in illegal activities.
“Any individual found participating in voter bribery or election violence will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” Toko warned.
By press time, efforts to reach both candidates for comment were unsuccessful, as repeated phone calls to their known contacts went unanswered.
The Adjumani LC5 race, which pits incumbent Ben Anyama against NRM candidate John Anyanzo Ambayo, has previously been marred by campaign-related violence.
On December 10, 2025, three suspects were arrested following clashes at a campaign rally in Dzaipi Sub-county, where supporters from the two camps allegedly confronted each other.
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