Jinja RDC, deputy withdrawn over two deaths during violent LC1 polls
Babalanda noted that another resident, Latib Ikaali, 23, who was pursing his degree from the Kampala International University Bushenyi branch, succumbed to bullet injuries on arrival at the Jinja regional referral hospital.
Babalanda delivered President Museveni’s condolence of sh10m per family as well as Byakagaba’s sh5m to each family. (Credit: Jackie Nambogga)
JINJA - The Minister for Presidency, Milly Babalanda, has withdrawn the Jinja Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Ahmed Kateregga, and his deputy, Hassan Kasibante, over the death of two people during the Local Council 1 (LC1) polls in the district, saying the killings happened under their leadership as security heads.
Babalanda's action came after pleas by local leaders led by Moses Batwala, the Jinja district chairperson, during a media engagement at Bax Hotel in Jinja City on Friday.
According to Babalanda, the incident was avoidable if the officer had shot in the air since he was not dealing with armed people.
She said the matter caught the attention of President Yoweri Museveni and Inspector General of Police Abas Byakagaba, who paid tribute to the slain youth as they admitted government’s responsibility for their murder committed by a trained police officer.
The minister, who is also the Budiope West legislator in Buyende district, regretted the killing of Fred Kalulu, 19, at Buwenge Progressive Academy polling station during the election of the LC1 chairperson of Kabi zone, Kamwanyi ward, Buwenge town council in Jinja district on July 28, 2026.
Babalanda noted that another resident, Latib Ikaali, 23, who was pursing his degree from the Kampala International University Bushenyi branch, succumbed to bullet injuries on arrival at the Jinja regional referral hospital.
Babalanda delivered President Museveni’s condolence of sh10m per family as well as Byakagaba’s sh5m to each family.
Babalanda appealed to the security minister, Maj. Gen. (rtd) Jim Muhwezi, and Byakagaba to ensure that police and their sister security agencies deliver a peaceful election of parish leaders.
As leaders, she said they needed to avoid a repeat of this regrettable incident in the remaining polls. Babalanda said many voices had largely emerged regarding the misconduct of security officers, saying some take sides, and whenever locals question them, scuffles ensue.
“There are many voices regarding the conduct of security personnel during elections. This might be a big challenge that whenever residents go to the polls, their own security meant to protect them and their properties resorts to brutalising them,” she said.
Babalanda asked the security minister and police chief to ensure that they guide security operatives to remain professional while protecting locals and their properties instead of brutalising them.
“I urge you to do your work professionally by not taking sides. Leave people to make their choices and celebrate as you give them security,” the minister, who was flanked by the Jinja resident city commissioner, Salim Kumakech, said.
Kumakech briefed the minister that out of the 141 villages, 105 were won by National Resistance Movement candidates, 20 by independent candidates, 13 by National Unity Platform (NUP) candidates, and 03 by People’s Front for Freedom candidates.