Eight Luwero residents accused of election violence plead guilty

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Eight Luwero district-based Opposition supporters, who were arrested over alleged involvement in riots during the January 15, 2026, General Election, have been convicted at their own plea.

The suspects, who have been on remand since January 20, were convicted when they appeared before Luwero grade one magistrate Adyeri Tindyebwa on February 3.

Riots broke out during the tallying of the presidential and parliamentary votes in Luwero town, prompting security personnel to intervene by firing live bullets and tear gas, before rounding up a total of 36 suspects.

At least three people were reported killed by bullets as the security personnel fired live bullets and teargas while pursuing the rioters who were protesting an alleged attempt to rig the election.

On January 20, all the 36 who were arrested following the riots, were arraigned before the same court, but denied the charges and applied for bail which the court refused to grant.

The magistrate instead remanded all the 36 to Butuntumula Prison in Luwero up to February 2, when 19 of them reappeared in court.

When the 19 suspects reappeared before Tindyeebwa on Tuesday evening, eight men changed their plea and pleaded guilty.

Prosecution, led by state attorney Racheal Kirabo, told the court that the eight committed the offence between January 15 and 17, 2026, when they participated in riots in Binyonyi and other parts of Luwero town council, contrary to Section 62 of the Penal Code Act.

Kirabo said the accused persons were found burning tyres and mounting roadblocks along the Kampala–Gulu highway, disrupting traffic before the Police and soldiers intervened to disperse and arrest them.

She prayed to court to impose a deterrent but reasonable sentence, noting that the riots disturbed public peace, endangered road users, and involved young people who should instead engage in productive activities.

In mitigation, the eight accused who pleaded guilty, prayed for leniency, saying they were first-time offenders and had not wasted the court’s time by pleading guilty. They also said they had families to support. 

Their lawyer, Irene Akol, asked the court to consider community service. 

The magistrate further remanded the eight until February 9, 2026, when they will be sentenced.

Another of nine of the 19 accused persons agreed to enter plea bargain negotiations with the prosecution. However, two of the suspects maintained their innocence and applied for bail in vain.