By Swift News UG
Uganda’s National Resistance Movement (NRM) primary elections held on Wednesday, July 17, 2025, were marred by widespread disturbances and incidents of violence, prompting the arrest of more than 90 individuals across the country.
According to a statement released Thursday evening by the Uganda Police Force, a range of security incidents were recorded in several districts, despite calm prevailing in major urban centres such as Kampala, Wakiso, Mbale, Mbarara, and Soroti.
“The Uganda Police Force, in coordination with sister security agencies, was deployed nationwide to ensure order. While the majority of voting was peaceful, we recorded isolated yet serious cases of electoral violence and criminality,” the police said in a statement.
One of the most alarming incidents was reported in Isingiro District, where police detained a man, Tumwine Benon, after he was caught in Kamubeizi Town Council (Isingiro South Constituency) carrying a hand-thrown grenade. The motive behind the possession remains unclear, but authorities expressed concern over the types of materials being trafficked during political contests.
Gunfire In Nakaseke, One Injured
In Ngoma Town Council, Nakaseke District, tensions between supporters of rival candidates Phillip Ndamira and Nyogole Enock spiraled out of control. The altercation allegedly involved gunfire, leaving Kumuzaire Dan injured. The suspected shooter is believed to be Ndamira’s bodyguard. Investigations are ongoing.
Security forces in Kamuli District arrested Sowed Ilgumbye, who is accused of kidnapping Kauma John Bosco. The victim was reportedly being transported in a Toyota Harrier (registration UAR 749F). Five additional suspects linked to the incident have been detained.
In Paidha Town Council, Zombo District, a woman returning from a political rally was shot and wounded with arrows in a suspected attempted murder. The motive and identities of the assailants remain under investigation.
‘Bouncers’ Intercepted in Lira–Dokolo
Security operatives also impounded a taxi traveling along the Lira–Dokolo Road, carrying suspected “bouncers” allegedly mobilised to disrupt electoral activities in Dokolo South.
In Nawandala Subcounty, Iganga District, 69 students—reportedly from the Law Development Centre—were arrested. They were believed to have been ferried in by a candidate with intentions to manipulate the voting process.
Police say all incidents are actively under investigation, and criminal charges will be filed against individuals found culpable.
“We urge all Ugandans to uphold the rule of law and cooperate with security agencies to ensure the remaining electoral processes are peaceful and credible,” the statement read.
The arrests and incidents have cast a shadow over the credibility of the NRM primaries, as the party prepares to select flagbearers for the 2026 general elections. Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission and NRM Secretariat are expected to issue statements addressing the unrest.
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