Residents claim that supporters of different political candidates are brutally attacking individuals perceived to be supporting rival camps, resulting in frequent clashes.
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Security personnel deployed during the Thursday youth elections at Masese Co primary school, in southern division, in Jinja city. File photo.
A section of residents from Butembe Constituency in Jinja District have stormed Kakira Police Station, accusing law enforcement officers of failing to control rising electoral-related violence. Butembe Constituency, which comprises Kakira Town Council and Kakira Sub-county, has recently seen escalating tensions.
Residents claim that supporters of different political candidates are brutally attacking individuals perceived to be supporting rival camps, resulting in frequent clashes. The violence has disrupted normal business operations, especially for roadside traders who say they can no longer operate evening markets due to the insecurity.
Residents say that despite repeated calls to police to intervene, little has been done to restore order. Faith Achan, one of the aggrieved residents, blamed the violence on supporters of Shaban Okumu and Charles Kabule, both contenders for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag in Butembe Constituency.
“These two contestants are powerful in terms of both money and influence, which gives their supporters the audacity to commit atrocities unhindered,” Achan said. “Kabule is the current L.C.III chairperson of Kakira Town Council, while Okumu is a powerful businessman. Despite our endless complaints, they use their influence to evade prosecution.”
Achan believes that unless security agencies take decisive action against these “untouchable” politicians, the violence will continue unabated. Benita Namukose, a resident of Busedde Sub-county, noted that many politicians exploit jobless youth by supplying them with drugs such as marijuana and crude alcohol, fueling violent behavior.
“Even the few sober youths are convinced that their political masters can manipulate the justice system to ensure they go unpunished, even after physically assaulting others,” Namukose said. She warned that these violent acts leave long-lasting divisions in communities, as both perpetrators and victims are forced to live side by side long after elections have ended.
“Elections are meant to bring about better service delivery through choosing capable leaders. We should be focusing on peace-building rather than violence,” she added. Another resident, Perusi Namuwaya, said the situation had spiraled out of control, leaving them with no choice but to storm the police station in protest.
Namuwaya recounted an incident earlier this month when she was accosted by eight youths on her way back from the garden. “They demanded that I declare my support for their candidate, and before I could even respond, they slapped me several times,” she said.
In response to the unrest, Jinja Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Michael Kibwika, addressed the angry crowd at Kakira Police Station, pledging a swift and fair resolution of their grievances.
Kibwika also announced plans to hold a meeting with the two candidates—Kabule and Okumu—urging them to restrain their supporters and promote peaceful election campaigns.
