The NRM primaries in Kamuli district turned violent early Saturday morning. One person was shot dead, and a UPDF soldier was stoned into a coma, disrupting what was expected to be a peaceful voting process.
According to sources, the deceased, Sowedi Egumbye, led a gang that stormed the home of Buzaya MP Martin Muzale in Kasambira Village, Nawanyago Town Council. The attackers, armed with machetes, hammers, and other sharp tools, injured five of Muzale’s polling agents.
Muzale said he was briefing his team when the group scaled the gate and attacked. The gang then allegedly kidnapped several agents and fled in four commuter taxis, commonly called drones.
Security forces responded swiftly. According to Busoga North police spokesperson Michael Kasadha, police and army units pursued the suspects. They fired live rounds into the air to force a surrender, but the attackers resisted. Officers shot at one of the fleeing vehicles, killing Egumbye on the spot.
Police recovered several sharp objects from the vehicles. Egumbye’s wife, Sarah Auma, is contesting for the NRM ticket for Kamuli LC5 Chairperson.
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, a UPDF soldier was stoned and critically injured during an early-morning clash in another polling area. He was rushed to hospital and remains in a coma.
Context
Lately, Kamuli has experienced escalating political tensions. This wave of violence raises concerns over the security of Uganda’s ongoing party primaries.
Authorities have urged calm and promised tight security throughout the electoral process.
Also Read: NRM Supporter Shot Dead in Kamuli Ahead of 2026 Polls