A peaceful local council election turned violent in Nampirika A village, Nakalama subcounty, Iganga District, leaving at least ten people seriously injured in chaotic scenes that forced authorities to postpone the voting process. The victims suffered deep cuts to their heads, hands, and other body parts before being rushed to hospital in critical condition, marking another dark chapter in Uganda’s increasingly tense electoral environment.

The violence erupted during the hotly contested NRM flag bearer election when supporters of frontrunner Farouk Nampala accused his opponent, Pastor Stephen Walekwa, of busing in outsiders to manipulate the vote. Witnesses described how Nampala’s young supporters suddenly turned on those they suspected of being imported voters, dragging them from the queue and attacking them with sticks and stones. Several victims lost consciousness during the brutal assault that turned the polling station into a battleground.

Nampala, who was leading in the preliminary vote count when chaos broke out, placed full blame on his opponent for sparking the violence. “I am aware of the full support from my people,” he declared defiantly, “even if elections are postponed a hundred times, I believe I will be victorious.” His confidence contrasted sharply with the bloodied scene around him as villagers fled in panic and injured victims lay moaning on the ground.

The situation deteriorated further when unidentified assailants on a motorcycle abducted the presiding officer, Joshua Nyange, taking him to an unknown location. This brazen act forced election officials to suspend the entire voting process indefinitely, leaving the community in limbo and tensions simmering.

By nightfall, police had deployed heavily throughout Nakalama subcounty, establishing a visible presence to prevent renewed clashes. Officers struggled to maintain order as supporters from both camps remained mobilized, demanding their right to vote while trading accusations of foul play. The standoff created an uneasy calm in the village, with many residents fearing further violence once police withdraw.

This latest outbreak of election-related violence has raised alarm bells about Uganda’s political climate, particularly at the grassroots level where local council races often turn personal and volatile. Community leaders expressed dismay at the degeneration of what should have been a routine democratic exercise into bloody confrontation.

“This is not how we resolve differences in our community,” lamented Hajji Musa Mutyaba, a local elder. “When young people start attacking each other over politics, we have lost our way.” His concerns echo growing national anxiety about the increasing militarization of Uganda’s electoral processes at all levels.

Police spokesperson for the Busoga region confirmed that investigations into both the violence and the abduction of the election official are underway. “We have identified several persons of interest and will be making arrests soon,” the spokesperson stated, while urging calm among residents. Authorities have promised round-the-clock patrols until the election can be safely concluded.

The incident has drawn attention to long-simmering tensions in Iganga District, where political competition often intersects with tribal and religious divisions. Analysts note that local council elections, though technically nonpartisan, have become proxy battles for larger political forces, with candidates backed by different national figures.

As the injured receive treatment at Iganga Hospital, doctors reported that several victims required emergency surgery for their wounds. Hospital administrators expressed concern about their limited capacity to handle such trauma cases, calling for better emergency preparedness during election periods.

The national electoral commission has yet to announce when voting might resume in Nakalama subcounty, citing the need for thorough security assessments first. Commission officials are expected to meet with local leaders, police, and both candidates to establish conditions for a peaceful conclusion to the electoral process.

Meanwhile, civil society organizations have condemned the violence, calling for accountability and electoral reforms. “When citizens cannot participate in local elections without fear of violence, our entire democratic system is in trouble,” said Margaret Nantongo of the Uganda Governance Monitoring Network. Her organization has documented increasing election-related violence across the country in recent years.

For residents of Nampirika A village, the wounds – both physical and psychological – will take time to heal. As night fell on the troubled community, many wondered whether their neighbors could reconcile after such violence, and whether future elections would bring more bloodshed or genuine democratic expression.

The Iganga incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of Uganda’s electoral peace, particularly at the local level where political competition often turns personal and security oversight remains weak. With national elections approaching in 2026, many fear these violent scenes could become more frequent unless urgent action is taken to address the root causes of electoral conflict.

As police maintain their vigil in Nakalama subcounty, the nation watches and waits to see whether calm will prevail or whether Uganda’s election violence has entered a dangerous new phase that could threaten the country’s hard-won stability. For now, the people of Nampirika A village nurse their wounds and pray for peace, even as political tensions continue to simmer beneath the surface.