Luuka District. A day meant for democracy turned into a scene of terror as gunfire erupted during the NRM grassroots elections in Luuka District, leaving one man dead and two others fighting for their lives. The shocking violence unfolded at the Noor Islamic Primary Teachers’ College playground, where chaos and bloodshed replaced what was supposed to be a peaceful rerun of the polls.
In an emotional and tense press briefing, ASP Kasadha Micheal , the Regional Public Relations Officer for Busoga North , recounted the horrifying events that led to the fatal shooting.
"What started as a peaceful exercise quickly turned into a nightmare," ASP Kasadha said, his voice heavy with frustration. "A group of unruly youth, allegedly mobilised by one of the candidates, surrounded the returning officer, demanding that Isebo Sulaimani be declared the winner—even before the votes were fully counted!"
As tensions flared, police officers led by the Area OC tried to restore order, but their pleas for calm fell on deaf ears.
"The mob became violent," ASP Kasadha continued, his expression grim. "They started hurling stones at our officers and electoral officials, putting lives in danger. Our team had no choice but to act in self-defense. Shots were fired, and tragically, one man lost his life."
The deceased has been identified as 30-year-old Lwayanga Swaliki , whose body now lies in the Iganga General Hospital mortuary . Two others, Oketch Ivan from Bulanga Central and Nabugo Peterson from Wainha Village—were wounded in the chaos and are currently receiving medical treatment.
The violence didn’t end there. As police attempted to transport Swaliki’s body, Sgt. Khaleke Noah , attached to Luuka CPS , was struck in the eye by a stone thrown by the angry mob. He has since been rushed to Jinja Regional Referral Hospital for emergency treatment.
ASP Kasadha issued a stern warning to those inciting violence,
"We will not tolerate lawlessness. The electoral process must be respected, and anyone who tries to disrupt it will face the full force of the law. We urge the public to remain calm and allow investigations to proceed."
Police have already taken D/C Emojong Denis into custody to assist with investigations. Authorities are working to determine whether the violence was premeditated or a spontaneous outbreak of tempers.
Residents of Bulanga Town Council are reeling from the bloodshed, with many questioning how an election meant to unite the community ended in tragedy.
"This was supposed to be about choosing leaders, not burying our brothers," said one shaken witness, who asked not to be named. "Now a family is mourning, and two others are in pain. When will this end?"
As investigations continue, tensions remain high. Will justice be served? Will the perpetrators be held accountable? Or will this violence cast a dark shadow over future elections?
