Police Fire Shots as Kyebando Residents Protest Disputed Village Election Results

What the report says

Police in Wakiso District fired shots to break up a protest in Kyebando, Mumyuka Sub-County, after residents challenged the outcome of a village chairperson election. According to Nile Post, the demonstrators tried to enter an office they believed was being used by the disputed winner, Richard Mwanje, and accused him of not legitimately winning the vote.

The confrontation escalated after the group entered the office, ordered occupants out and reportedly removed items, throwing some outside. Police were then called to restore order. The article says some residents accused officers of corruption and alleged they were working with people involved in the disputed poll, after which police fired shots into the air and onto the ground to disperse the crowd.

Several people were arrested during the operation. Residents quoted by Nile Post said they would not recognise Mwanje as their leader and vowed to continue pressing their complaints until they got what they consider justice. The dispute adds to a wider set of grievances around recently concluded village council elections, which have drawn complaints over alleged irregularities.

As background, the Electoral Commission has said it is reviewing complaints from candidates and voters linked to the local polls. The Kyebando protest shows how contested village results can quickly become a public order issue when losing candidates or residents reject the outcome.