By KT Reporter
The race for the Adjumani District LC5 chairperson seat in the West Nile sub-region turned violent on Sunday night, as supporters of John Anyanzo, the NRM flag bearer, and his rival Ben Anyama, the incumbent LC5 chairperson, clashed, leaving several people injured.
Trouble reportedly began on the evening of Sunday, November 23, 2025, when supporters of John Anyanzo were allegedly attacked by supporters of Ben Anyama, an independent candidate, at Mbere village while returning from a campaign rally. During the melee, supporters of Anyama reportedly impounded a motorcycle belonging to Moris Atrima, a supporter of Anyanzo.
In retaliation, one of Anyanzo’s supporters, Agnes Morika, riding a motorcycle with registration number UFJ 784T, was forcibly removed from her vehicle by Anyama’s supporters, and her mobile phone was stolen. Collins Asea, the North West Nile region police spokesperson, said the situation escalated after Anyanzo’s supporters stormed the gate of Radio Aulogo, allegedly intending to confront Anyama, who was appearing on a live talk show.
“On 23rd November 2025, at approximately 2200 hours, the District Police Commander (DPC) of Adjumani received a report from the RDC of Adjumani regarding violence involving supporters of political candidates. Supporters of Mr. Anyanzo assembled outside Radio Aulogo, allegedly waiting to confront Mr. Anyama Ben in retaliation,” Asea said in a statement.
According to Asea, calm was restored after a team of officers led by Adjumani District Police Commander Herbert Masembe intervened, following a call from Anyama alerting the DPC about the purported plans by Anyanzo’s supporters. “In response, a rapid response team, led by the DPC, was dispatched to Radio Aulogo to prevent any attack on the premises. Supporters of Mr. Anyanzo, who had camped outside Radio Aulogo with intentions to attack Mr. Anyama Ben, were persuaded by the DPC to embrace peace,” Asea added.
The incident comes just four months after seven people were arrested following a violent confrontation between rival supporters of Anyanzo and Anyama during the NRM LC5 race in Adjumani District. When asked about the Electoral Commission’s interventions to prevent a recurrence, Christine Akao Eunice, the election administrator of Adjumani, said she is currently chairing a security meeting.
“I am chairing a security meeting to deliberate on the issue. Call me later,” she said in a phone interview. Security authorities confirmed to URN that so far, one suspect, James Edema Apiko, has been arrested, and the two motorcycles impounded by rival supporters have been recovered.
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