Over 50 rioters arrested over attempts to storm Kyotera town

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Over 50 alleged rioters who reportedly attempted to storm the Kyotera town have been intercepted and arrested by Police.

The rioters were arrested following running battles with the anti-riot Police in the Kyotera town streets between January 18 and 19, 2026.

Kyotera Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Apollo Mugume confirmed the arrests, saying the suspects are being screened at Kyotera Central Police Station.

Mugume appreciated security for bringing Kyotera to calm.

“It’s good that business has resumed in Kyotera and the situation has been brought to calm,” he said.

He, however, regretted that the rioters defied Police electoral guidelines and took to the streets and burnt tyres.

He added that some of the rioters destroyed properties and brought business to a standstill. Shops, hotels and other businesses closed down in Kyotera on January 18, over riots related to the General Election outcome. Town dwellers fled the central business areas and remained indoors after anti-riot Police fired tear gas to disperse the rowdy rioters. Some of the rioters hurled stones at the Police.

The vehicle for Southern Police region commander Ezra Tugume was damaged during the riots in Nyendo suburb on January 17.  The rioters pelted stones that shattered the vehicle's screen.

Over 150 arrested in Masaka

Police region spokesperson Twaha Kasirye told New Vision Online that at least 150 rioters were rounded up in Masaka city.

The majority of the suspects came from Nyendo and the city outskirts.

The Masaka Resident City Commissioner, Ahmed Washaki, warned the protesters against destructive riots. He said the heavy deployment of police and army will remain, especially in Nyendo, where notorious rioters burnt car tyres and destroyed property.

The central business areas of Masaka had resumed business by press time.