Three Arrested in Namutumba over Unlawful Demonstration on Village Council Elections

Namutumba demonstrators

Police in Namutumba on Wednesday 5th August 2026 arrested 3 suspects over conducting an unlawful demonstration, following the recently concluded LCI elections in Bulogo Village, Namutumba North Ward, Namutumba Town Council, Namutumba District.

The suspects have been identified as Isabirye Faruk, the alleged group leader, Walugada Moses and Isabirye Moses

According to Busoga East Regional Police Spokesperson, ASP Kasadha Michael, demonstrators said to be supporters of Isabirye Faruk who contested and lost the recently concluded LCI Chairperson elections to Muwite Moses, were marching from Nakalokwe Church of Uganda towards the Electoral Commission offices.

They were chanting and drumming, alleging that the District Returning Officer declared the wrong winner.

Upon receipt of the information, the DPC Namutumba, SP Byansi Muhamed and a team of officers responded swiftly and attempted to engage the group with an aim of calming the situation.

“However, the demonstrators turned violent and started pelting stones at police officers. To prevent further escalation and to protect the Electoral Commission offices and members of the public, police exercised restraint and dispersed the group by firing shots in the air.” Said ASP Kasadha Michael.

Police impounded 2 Bajaj boxer motorcycles, Reg Nos. UFB 268F and UFX 343J, which were being used to mobilize the group.

By the time of publishing this story, the suspects were detained at CPS Namutumba on charges of Inciting Violence vide SDREF 35/05/08/2026 and investigations are ongoing.

Uganda Police Force reminds the public that the right to demonstrate is protected by law, but must be done peacefully and with prior notification to police.

“Any acts of violence, destruction of property, or attacks on security officers will not be tolerated and perpetrators will be dealt with in accordance with the law. We further call upon all political actors and their supporters to respect the decisions of the Electoral Commission and to use the established legal mechanisms to address electoral grievances.” Said ASP Kasadha