Police have confirmed that they are holding at least 20 National Unity Platform (NUP) members arrested on Sunday during the burial of former Busiro South Member of Parliament Charles Matovu in Kungu-Lutale, along Nakawuka Road in Wakiso District.
Matovu, 41, died on Thursday night at Mulago National Referral Hospital, where he had been transferred from Lubaga Hospital for specialised treatment. He reportedly developed a sudden health complication on Monday evening, and his condition deteriorated rapidly.
His death has triggered grief and suspicion within the opposition. Some mourners and supporters have questioned the sudden onset of his illness, with unverified claims of foul play circulating on social media. Some have called for a transparent autopsy, although the allegations remain unsubstantiated.
Matovu was laid to rest on Sunday, October 25, at 2 p.m. at his ancestral home. Violence reportedly erupted during the burial after a group of NUP members allegedly opposed the presence of National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporters at the funeral.
According to Police Spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke, the incident targeted mourners, including Kibuku County MP Herbert Kinobere and other NRM-leaning supporters who had attended the burial to pay their last respects. Kinobere’s car tyres were reportedly deflated, and his vehicle was pelted with stones before angry mourners chased him away from the burial site.
Some were reportedly heard accusing him of being among those responsible for the deaths of opposition figures.“A group of NUP members allegedly opposed to the presence of NRM supporters attacked mourners, including Hon. Kinobere. They deflated his car tyres and pelted stones,” Rusoke said. Police intervened after the violence caused mourners to flee the scene. Rusoke said 20 suspects had been arrested and were being held in police custody pending their arraignment in court.
Police condemned the violence and urged Ugandans to separate political differences from burial ceremonies. “We urge the public to respect mourners regardless of political affiliation and refrain from violence, intimidation and destruction of property. A deceased person relates not only to political people; he has friends, relatives and workmates,” Rusoke said.
The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue. Matovu represented Busiro South in Wakiso District in the 11th Parliament from 2021 to 2026 on the NUP ticket. He lost his seat in the January 2026 general elections to the NRM’s Kenneth Opio and subsequently challenged the result in the High Court in Entebbe.
In September, the court dismissed his application seeking additional declaration of results forms and other electoral materials from 102 polling stations, ruling that the request lacked sufficient specificity. The main election petition was still pending at the time of his death-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
