LC I Election Campaign Turns Deadly as Supporter Kills Rival in Kasese

What the report says

Watchdog Uganda reports that police in Kasese District are investigating the death of 30-year-old Masereka Nelson after an alleged campaign-related confrontation linked to upcoming LC I elections. Nelson, identified as a resident of Kisanga Village in Maliba Parish, Maliba Sub-county, reportedly died after an altercation on the night of July 25, 2026.

According to the outlet, Rwenzori East Regional Police spokesperson ASP Elly Maate said Nelson argued with a man identified only as Sowedi over the forthcoming LC I chairperson polls. Police allege the dispute turned violent when Sowedi struck Nelson on the forehead with a stone and continued attacking him after he fell. The suspect then allegedly left the scene.

The report says a friend first took Nelson to a nearby drug shop for initial help and later notified his relatives. His family transferred him the next day to Rukoki Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at about 5:00 p.m. Police later arrested the suspect in Bunyangabo District, where he was allegedly hiding, and said he was expected to be moved to Hiima Division for prosecution.

The case comes shortly before village-level LC I chairperson elections scheduled for July 28, 2026, across more than 70,000 villages, according to Watchdog Uganda. Police appealed for calm and urged candidates and supporters to settle political disagreements without violence. Investigations remain ongoing, and the allegations against the suspect have not yet been tested in court.