Mbale NRM LC1 flagbearer collapses, dies shortly after registration
Tibirondwa reportedly collapsed at about midday on July 15, 2026, shortly after completing his registration for the LC1 chairperson race in Lwakhakha cell, Industrial City division, Mbale city.
Elgon sub-region police spokesperson Rogers Taitika. (File)
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Police in Mbale are investigating the sudden death of Ismail Tibirondwa, a National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer for the LC1 chairperson seat in Lwakhakha cell, Industrial City division, who collapsed and died shortly after registering to contest.
Tibirondwa reportedly collapsed at about midday on July 15, 2026, shortly after completing his registration for the LC1 chairperson race in Lwakhakha cell, Industrial City division, Mbale city.
The incident occurred at the Mbale Industrial City Division offices, where the Electoral Commission had established a registration centre.
After receiving his registration documents, Tibirondwa reportedly walked a few steps away from the crowded tent where registration was taking place before collapsing to the ground.
Hundreds of residents who had gathered for the registration exercise, together with those who had escorted candidates, rushed to assist him, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
Residents gathered around and attempted to check for signs of life by moving his hands, head and legs, but he did not respond.
The electoral exercise and the subsequent incident took place in Indian cell, Mbale city.
After taking part in the registration exercise, Tibirondwa was reportedly heading to celebrate when he suddenly collapsed. It is suspected that he suffered a heart attack, although the exact cause of death has not yet been established.
Elgon sub-region police spokesperson Rogers Taitika confirmed the death on Wednesday, adding that police have launched investigations to establish the cause.
However, Taitika condemned residents who removed Tibirondwa's body from the scene to an undisclosed location before police officers arrived to take it for a post-mortem examination.
He explained that post-mortems help determine the exact cause of death by providing scientific and medical evidence on whether a person died from injuries, poisoning or natural causes, especially where the cause is not immediately clear.
Taitika also noted that post-mortem findings serve as critical judicial evidence and warned residents against hiding bodies from police for fear of meeting post-mortem costs.
He said that when foul play is suspected, forensic reports are used by police to build strong cases against perpetrators and ensure justice is served through the courts.
"In many cases of sudden death, post-mortems help stop rumours and eliminate false accusations against innocent people," Taitika said.
"Knowing the definitive cause of death provides families with answers, which helps them find closure during their grieving process," he added.
Taitika reminded the public and the media that whenever there is an unexplained death, bodies are immediately taken to facilities such as Mbale City Mortuary or Mbale Regional Referral Hospital for mandatory post-mortem examinations before being released to families for burial.