Violence erupts in Kawempe after residents reject LC1 election results

What the report says

The Independent Uganda, citing URN, reported that violence broke out on July 28, 2026, in Jinja Kawempe A Cell, Kawempe Division, after residents disputed results announced in the Local Council One election. According to the report, the exercise began at about 8:00 a.m. with the reading of the voters’ register, but some residents said they were excluded after their names were called while they were absent and were not given another chance to participate.

The contest involved incumbent LC1 chairperson Hussein Ssegujja, running as an independent, Richard Kisekka of the National Resistance Movement, and Ben Ssebulime of the National Unity Platform. The publisher reported that voters lined up behind candidates shortly after 10:00 a.m. and that observers at the polling venue saw Ssegujja’s queue appearing larger than those of his rivals. However, after counting, an Electoral Commission official declared Kisekka the winner with 140 votes, against 120 for Ssegujja, triggering protests from residents who challenged the outcome.

Security personnel evacuated EC officials as the situation deteriorated, using tear gas and live ammunition to break up crowds. The report said some protesters tried to stop police vehicles and others threw stones. Supporters of Ssegujja later moved to Nabweru Division headquarters demanding a review, disrupting traffic on Bombo Road before police and the army dispersed them. Several people were arrested, and protesters later went to Kawempe Police Station to file complaints.

The Independent also reported delays in other Kawempe villages, including Corner Zone and Lugoba, where late arrival of officials and lack of public address systems slowed the reading of voters’ names.