KAMPALA, Uganda — The Uganda Police Force, working with other security agencies, reported largely peaceful National Resistance Movement (NRM) primary elections held Thursday, July 17, 2025. While calm prevailed in most areas, including Kampala City, Wakiso, Mbale City, Mbarara City and Soroti, isolated incidents of violence and crime were recorded.
In Kamuli District, Sowed Ilgumbye was “put out of action” by security forces on the night of July 16, 2025, during a pursuit connected to the alleged kidnapping of Kauma John Bosco. Bosco was reportedly being transported in a Toyota Harrier. Five suspects have been arrested and are assisting with ongoing investigations.
Nakaseke District saw a fight in Ngoma Town Council between supporters of candidates Phillip Ndamira and Nyogole Enock. During the altercation, Komuzaire Dan was injured by suspected gunfire from Ndamira’s bodyguard. This incident is under investigation.
In Zombo District’s Paidha Town Council, an attempted murder was reported on July 16, 2025, where a female was shot and wounded with arrows while returning from a rally.
Preventive security operations led to several arrests. In Isingiro, Tumwine Benon was arrested in Kamubeizi Town Council for possessing a hand grenade. Along the Lira-Dokolo Road in Dokolo District, officers impounded a taxi carrying suspected “bouncers” believed to have been mobilized to disrupt elections. These suspects are detained at Dokolo Central Police Station. In Iganga District’s Nawandala Subcounty, 69 students, allegedly from the Law Development Centre in Kampala, were arrested around 1 a.m. after a candidate reportedly transported them.
More than 90 suspects have been arrested in connection with suspected election-related offenses. The Uganda Police Force and other security agencies affirmed their commitment to ensuring peace, law and order throughout the electoral process. All reported incidents are being thoroughly investigated, and legal action will be taken against perpetrators. The public is urged to cooperate with security agencies for the successful completion of the entire electoral process.
