Luwero police are holding an aspiring LC I Chairperson for allegedly assaulting the campaign agent of his rival in the ongoing village voter registration exercise. The suspect, John Kiggundu, is contesting for the LC I Chairperson seat in Migadde Village, Katikamu Sub-county. He was arrested after allegedly attacking Abdul Katende, the village Defence Secretary and campaign agent for the incumbent LC I Chairperson, Ahamada Mutyaba.
According to Sam Twiineamazima, the Savannah Regional Police spokesperson, the incident occurred during the voter registration exercise after Kiggundu reportedly confiscated the village voter registration book, claiming that non-residents were being unlawfully registered to vote in favour of his rival. Twiineamazima said Katende attempted to stop Kiggundu from taking the register, prompting a scuffle during which Kiggundu allegedly assaulted him, leaving him injured.
Officers from Lukomera Police Post responded to the scene, arrested Kiggundu, and rushed Katende to a nearby health facility for treatment. Kiggundu has since been transferred to Luwero Central Police Station, where he is being held on allegations of assault.
Ronald Kakande, the Katikamu Sub-county LC V Councillor, condemned alleged attempts to manipulate the voter register in favour of particular candidates. Kakande said Kiggundu raised concerns after receiving reports that the incumbent candidate had allegedly connived with election officials to register people who are not residents of Migadde Village so they could vote in the upcoming election.
However, the Luwero District Returning Officer, Moses Rwanks Kiconco, said the registration exercise resumed normally after police restored order. He noted that election officials had not received any verified reports of non-residents attempting to register in the village.
“What happened is that the aspirants wanted to influence the exercise. I have visited the village, and the exercise is ongoing smoothly. Similarly, the exercise is progressing smoothly across all 624 villages in Luwero District,” Kiconco said. The Electoral Commission commenced the nationwide village voter registration exercise on Monday, July 6, in preparation for the Local Council I and Women Council elections scheduled for July 28, 2026.
The exercise will run until Friday, July 10, 2026, from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily at designated registration centres in all 71,214 villages across the country.
Residents are required to present their National Identity Cards during registration, after which their personal details, including their names and National Identification Numbers (NINs), are captured in the official village register. However, in Luwero District, the exercise has reportedly been heavily influenced by incumbent LC I chairpersons, who are actively mobilising residents and participating in the vetting of eligible voters before registration-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
