By KT Reporter
Several voters in Buwenge Town Council, Jinja district, have reported incidents of election-related violence, leaving several people seriously injured. The injured are receiving treatment at Buwenge General Hospital and other private health facilities within the district.
The race for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag in Buwenge Town Council has attracted four candidates: the incumbent Hassan Kinosa, Ismael Ozanya, Andrew Waseme, and Henry Kiswa. Stiff competition exists mainly between Kinosa and Ozanya, with supporters from both camps expressing optimism for victory.
Before the election, clashes between supporters from both camps resulted in injuries to several individuals. On election day, violent confrontations occurred at different polling stations as supporters demonstrated their backing, leaving some with deep wounds in sensitive parts of their bodies.
Charles Kunya recounts that he was at Kyerinda polling station when a group of youths armed with sticks began attacking people indiscriminately. Kunya says he tried to flee but was struck on the head with a stone by the assailants. He was then beaten across various parts of his body, eventually being rescued by well-wishers who rushed him to a medical facility. Kunya sustained bleeding from his mouth and ears; however, doctors report that he is slowly responding to treatment and is expected to fully recover within the day.
Ayub Bogere, a polling agent for Kinosa in Bwase zone, says he was ambushed by a gang of youths who arrived in multiple vehicles. Bogere says the gang forced his team to leave the polling station. The group, estimated at 30 members and reinforced by others, pelted stones at voters without restraint. He adds that he was stabbed in the head and feet before the attackers fled.
Majid Lukalu, attacked at Dwaliro zone, sustained a deep cut on the left side of his mouth. Lukalu says his assailants were armed with machetes, leaving him unable to defend himself.
Dr. Ibrahim Musenero, who treated more than seven victims of election-related violence, reports that the injured are slowly recovering. Musenero says most wounds were not deep, and excessive bleeding has been successfully managed, allowing for proper medication administration. Regarding Kunya, Musenero says he had complications upon arrival but is now stabilized and responding to treatment.
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