Two TikTokers Killed by Gunfire During Chaotic LC1 Elections in Jinja

Two Jinja District-based TikTok content creators have died after being shot during the Local Council One (LC1) elections in Buwenge Town Council. The deceased have been identified as Fred Kalulu, popularly known as “Shadow of Death,” and another man identified only as Ikali. Kalulu died at the scene, while Ikali died at Jinja Hospital where he was rushed after receiving first aid at Buwenge Health Centre III.

Residents allege that the shooting occurred when a joint security deployment of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers and police officers responded to chaos that erupted at the polling station during the day. According to residents, tensions flared after claims that non-residents were being allowed to vote, contrary to Electoral Commission guidelines.

Samson Mubinge, a resident, alleged that some candidates influenced polling officials to clear ineligible individuals to vote. He further claimed that two young men impersonated registered voters who were present in the queue and significantly older than them, but polling officials ignored complaints raised by residents.

Mubinge said the situation escalated when people from neighbouring villages, who had already completed voting in their respective areas, joined the crowd and attempted to confront polling officials.

He said security personnel responded by firing live bullets into the air in an effort to disperse the crowd. However, the protesters reportedly refused to leave, insisting that their concerns about alleged electoral irregularities be addressed.

Scovia Nabirye, another resident, said Kalulu and Ikali were shot while filming the unfolding chaos.

“The situation was undoubtedly chaotic, but our security officers can do better than responding with live ammunition when provoked.” Nabirye said, adding that military personnel should be trained to exercise restraint and remain calm even under intense pressure from unarmed civilians.The LCIII Chairperson of Buwenge Town Council, Ibrahim Ozanya, accused security agencies of using excessive force while policing electoral processes in the area.

Ozanya said Buwenge has witnessed repeated incidents of election-related deaths during local government, parliamentary and presidential elections, yet no comprehensive investigations have been conducted to establish accountability and prevent similar tragedies. He argued that Buwenge’s largely youthful and politically aware population has become more vocal in demanding transparency after gaining greater access to information through social media.

“Rather than resorting to excessive force, intelligence agencies should focus on investigating the root causes of electoral violence and addressing them before they escalate,” Ozanya said. “Using excessive force does not instil discipline; it creates fear and often provokes further confrontation between civilians and security personnel.

However, Kiira Regional Police Spokesperson James Mubi rejected the allegations against the security forces. Mubi said that the two deceased were not TikTok content creators but were instead ring leaders in the election-related violence at the polling station. He said they were struck by stray bullets as security personnel attempted to restore order.