Police in Mukono have arrested eight suspects over violent incidents that broke out during an election exercise in Koolo-Buwanyi Cell, Nantabulirwa Ward, Goma Division, Mukono District. The suspects are being investigated over allegations of malicious damage to property, assault and theft following the unrest.
According to Kampala Metropolitan Police Deputy Public Relations Officer ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, the violence happened on July 28, 2026, at St. Peter’s Primary School, where electoral officials were verifying voters and issuing voting coupons. Trouble reportedly started when a group of individuals demanded that election officials stop reading out the voters’ register.
Police officers were called in to restore calm, but the group allegedly fled the polling station before moving into the surrounding area, where they reportedly carried out a series of violent attacks.
The suspects are accused of vandalizing the LC1 office, stealing an official stamp and an iPhone 14, and damaging three laptops. They also allegedly attacked several homes, destroying gates, doors and window panes.
A motor vehicle belonging to one of the election candidates was also targeted during the violence. Its front and rear windscreens were smashed, causing significant damage.
Police responded quickly to the disturbances and fired warning shots into the air to disperse the crowd and prevent further destruction. The situation was eventually brought under control.
Officers from the Scene of Crime Unit later visited the affected areas to document the damage and collect evidence. Several exhibits, including shattered glass, were recovered to support the ongoing investigations.
Police have confirmed the arrest of eight suspects, while operations are continuing to trace and arrest other individuals believed to have participated in the attacks.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the violence mainly targeted supporters of one of the candidates shortly after the election exercise was disrupted. Police have condemned all forms of election-related violence and urged the public to resolve electoral grievances through peaceful and lawful channels.
Investigations into the incident are still ongoing, and police have warned that anyone found responsible for violence, vandalism or intimidation during elections will face the full force of the law.
