A joint deployment of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers and police fired live bullets and tear gas on Tuesday to disperse residents of Bwaise-Mayanja Zone after protests over alleged irregularities in the Local Council I (LC I) voters’ register turned violent.
The unrest erupted at about 12:20 p.m. as Electoral Commission officials began reading out the voters’ register ahead of the LC I chairperson election.
Residents interrupted the exercise, claiming that the first 11 names on the register did not belong to people from Mayanja Zone. The crowd accused election officials of using an incorrect register and alleged that non-residents had been included to influence the outcome of the vote.
The situation quickly descended into chaos as angry residents tore down police tape, celebrated what they believed marked the end of the voting process, and hoisted incumbent LC I chairperson Migade Abdul Nuru onto their shoulders while chanting that voting was over.
Police officers initially deployed at the scene were later reinforced by UPDF soldiers, who fired live ammunition into the air and discharged tear gas to disperse the crowd. Protesters responded by hurling stones at the security personnel, prompting further use of force.
Area Councillor Muhammad Kyobe blamed the unrest on the disputed voters’ register, saying many of those who had turned up to vote were not genuine residents of the area.
“The situation has turned chaotic. The military has made it worse by firing teargas and live bullets. People are protesting the register after finding that many of the names being read out are not from this area,” Kyobe said.
Another resident, Hajji Umaru Musa, also questioned the authenticity of the register, insisting that locals would not allow non-residents to determine their leadership. He alleged that one of the candidates, Muzamiru Ndibo, the chairperson of Bwaise Taxi Park, had transported supporters from neighbouring areas, including Kalerwe and Kazo Angola, as well as taxi drivers and conductors, to participate in the election despite not being residents of Mayanja Zone.
“He is the chairman of the taxi park, and we do not want him. He brought in people from Kalerwe, Kazo Angola, as well as taxi conductors and drivers who are not residents here. We could not allow this sham election to proceed. We want the incumbent chairperson, Migade, to continue,” Umaru claimed.
Seven candidates are contesting for the LC I chairperson seat in Mayanja Zone, including incumbent Migade Abdul Nuru, Zaina Katushabe, Abdul Kasule, Lameka Kaddu, Muzamiru Ndibo, and two other candidates.
By Tuesday afternoon, the area remained tense, with additional security personnel deployed to restore order. An Electoral Commission official said voting would resume once calm had been restored-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
