Six arrested as youth groups clash during NRM mayoral campaigns
According to eyewitnesses, the confrontation started when supporters from one camp attempted to block the procession of a rival candidate from accessing the venue for a scheduled rally.
James Mubi, Kiira region spokesperson. (Credit: Doreen Musingo)
By Doreen Musingo
Journalists @New Vision
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JINJA
Police in Jinja city have arrested six individuals following violent clashes between rival youth groups during the ongoing NRM mayoral campaigns in the area.
The chaos broke out on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, evening (5:00pm) at Loco village where supporters of two NRM mayoral aspirants for Jinja city south allegedly attacked each other with stones, sticks and blunt objects.
According to eyewitnesses, the confrontation started when supporters from one camp attempted to block the procession of a rival candidate from accessing the venue for a scheduled rally.
“What started as a verbal exchange quickly escalated into a full-blown fight. People were seen throwing stones and chasing each other with sticks, stones and blunt objects,” Mathius Nabikamba, one of the injured people, said.
One of the injured who was admitted at Jinja regional referral hospital for first aid. (Credit: Doreen Musingo)
Kiira Police region spokesperson James Mubi, while speaking to New Vision Online on Wednesday, confirmed the arrest of six suspects believed to have masterminded the violence. He said Police swiftly respond to violence instigated by supporters of rival camps vying for Jinja City southern division mayoral seat.
Supporters Faruwa Kitakule and Rogers Egesa Anjoga clashed in Loco cell.
Joint security team responded and averted the escalating situation that left 13 people nursing wounds at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital.
He confirmed that six suspects were arrested in connection with assault and malicious damage cases. One tuk-tuk was torched and a motor vehicle’s windscreens smashed.
“We have six individuals in our custody who were involved in yesterday’s clashes. They will be charged with inciting violence, malicious damage to property and unlawful assembly,” Mubi said.
He added that police managed to restore calm in the area and warned all political aspirants and their supporters to desist from acts of violence and instead focus on issue-based campaigns.
“We shall not tolerate hooliganism disguised as political mobilisation. All candidates must guide their supporters to remain peaceful,” he emphasised.
The Jinja South mayoral seat has attracted stiff competition with the two aspirants actively campaigning for the party ticket.
Kiira Police region commander Charles Nsaba called for a harmonisation meeting between the candidates and their supporters ahead of tomorrow's NRM primaries.