Police speak out on election violence in Mubende, Rubanda districts

MUBENDE - As the electoral process unfolds, Security organs have reported that incidents of violence involving political actors have been reported in different parts of the country.

Recorded cases at different police stations include: physical assaults, property destruction, vandalism of election materials and other electoral offences. 

Police on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, said they had arrested 16 suspects in connection with several election-related incidents in the ongoing National Resistance Movement (NRM) primary rallies in Mubende, Isingiro and Rubanda. Key among the incidents include an incident in which Finance State Minister Henry Musasizi’s convoy was pelted with stones and his posters torn.

Rusoke Kituuma, the Police Spokesperson, in a statement, noted that they had taken action against election-related violence reported, made arrests and investigations were ongoing. He said other arrests had been made in Isingiro and Mubende districts.

“On July 3, 2025, at Hakashanje playground, Nyakahanga Cell, Bushura Parish, Hamuhambo town council, a violent incident took place. At around 6:40pm as Musasizi was leaving after delivering an address, stones were thrown at his convoy, damaging his vehicle. Earlier that day, campaign posters put up by the minister’s agents were reportedly destroyed by a group. Two suspects have been arrested in relation to this incident,” Kituuma stated.

He revealed that in Mubende district, they had arrested three suspects in relation to violence between David Kabanda, the incumbent Member of Parliament for Kasambya County and his rival Henry Muhumuza, who are all campaigning for the NRM ticket in the 2026 general elections.

“At around 4:00 pm on July 7, 2025, a candidate in the NRM primaries, Muhumuza and his supporters returning from Kitera trading centre, encountered Kabanda, the incumbent and a candidate in the NRM primaries, with his group coming from Gwanika trading center. The two groups met at Kyapa Kyeturege trading centre, where a violent confrontation erupted. Gunfire was exchanged, resulting in injuries to Roger Gumusiriza. Several individuals were also assaulted with sticks and bricks, Kituuma added.

He revealed that a further clash occurred at Nabingola sub-county headquarters, where two vehicles registration numbers UBP 452K (Noah white in colour) and UBP 788 (Toyota Wish) and a motorcycle registration number UFU 345X were set on fire and destroyed.

“Mubende Central Police Station officers responded and contained the violence. We have instituted investigations, and statements have been collected from eyewitnesses. The injured were taken to Mubende regional hospital for treatment.

In Isingiro, Kituuma said a similar incident occurred in Kyempisi cell, Kikagate sub-county, where two motorcycles and one vehicle were set ablaze. “We arrested ten suspects while others remain at large. On July 7, 2025, we had a security meeting with all the parties and NRM electoral commission officials to promote peaceful conduct during the primaries,” he stated.

Kituuma stated that across these three incidents, a total of 16 suspects had been arrested, while some individuals have fled and abandoned their homes.

“We condemn all forms of violence and reassure the public that the perpetrators of violence will be held accountable. Investigations and operations continued, and the police remain dedicated to maintaining peace and ensuring a secure election,” he added.

The NRM is expected to hold its grassroot elections for party flagbearers on July 17, 2025.