A police detective is under arrest after a deadly shooting during the National Resistance Movement (NRM) grassroots elections in Luuka District, eastern Uganda, on Wednesday, which left one person dead and two others injured.

Detective Corporal Denis Emojong, the officer implicated in the shooting, was taken into custody and is cooperating with ongoing investigations.

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Busoga North Police spokesperson ASP Michael Kasadha identified the deceased as 30-year-old Swaliki Lwayanga. The injured victims were named as Ivan Oketch and Nabugo Peterson.

The shooting occurred at Noor Islamic Primary Teachers College playground in Luswiga Zone, Nantamu Ward, Bulanga Town Council. Authorities revealed that voting at the same location had been disrupted the day before due to violence, prompting a rescheduled election.

“Although the rerun started smoothly, disorder broke out during vote counting. It’s alleged that a candidate brought in supporters from outside the area, who surrounded the returning officer, demanding that Isebo Sulaimani be declared the winner prematurely,” said ASP Kasadha.

He added that local police officers, led by the area OC, tried to restore calm, but the situation escalated as the crowd hurled stones at election officials and law enforcement.

“In response, officers fired warning shots to control the situation, but tragically, one person was killed and two others injured,” he noted.

Lwayanga’s body was taken to Iganga General Hospital, while the injured were admitted for treatment. Sgt Khaleke Noah, another officer from Luuka Central Police Station, was injured after being hit in the eye with a stone and later referred to Jinja Regional Referral Hospital.

ASP Kasadha denounced the violence and appealed for public restraint, urging citizens to respect the electoral process.

“We call for calm and assure the public that investigations are underway. Any individuals disrupting lawful election activities will face legal consequences,” he warned.

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