Calls for Justice as Two LC1 Election Shooting Victims Laid to Rest in Jinja

The bodies of two young men who were shot dead during the recent Local Council One (LC1) elections were laid to rest in Buwenge Town Council, Jinja District, on Friday, as grieving families, political leaders and residents called for justice and accountability over the fatal shootings.

The deceased, identified as Latib Ikaali, 26, and Fred Kalulu, 19, also known as “Shadow,” were allegedly shot by a police officer attached to Buwenge Police Station during the village chairperson elections in Kabi Zone.

The incident has renewed concerns over the conduct of security personnel during village elections, with residents noting that Buwenge has repeatedly experienced election-related violence.

Hudafati Muganza, who said he was with the victims at the time of the incident, recounted that they had arrived at the polling station while voting was still underway when they heard gunshots.

He said they rushed to the scene and found Kalulu lying on the ground after being shot.

“As we gathered around him, the officer fired another shot into his chest. Latib then stepped forward and he too was shot in the chest,” Muganza said.

He added that they attempted to rush Ikaali to hospital, but he died before receiving medical treatment.

Some residents alleged that one of the LC1 chairperson candidates for Kabi Zone, Muzamiru Nabikamba, had colluded with security personnel. However, no evidence was presented during the burial to support the claim.

Community leaders used the funeral to question the repeated use of live ammunition during elections.

Peterson Mubiru, chairperson of the Kamuli Outgrowers Association, said the deaths reflected a troubling pattern of violence in the area.

“If their role is keeping law and order, is law and order kept by killing people? We are tired of this situation,” Mubiru said.

He called for a thorough investigation into the shootings and urged the Electoral Commission and the government to review the current method of conducting LC1 elections, arguing that it has become increasingly dangerous.

An emotional Buwenge Town Council chairperson, Isma Ozanya, blamed the recurring unrest on what he described as poor leadership within the district’s security establishment.

He called for the transfer of Resident District Commissioner Ahmed Kateregga, Buwenge Police Station Officer-in-Charge Zakalia Kibilo and OC Operations Fred Mawelere, alleging that they had failed to restore public confidence in security.

The father of one of the deceased, Yasin Ikaali, struggled to contain his emotions as he appealed to the government to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

He said it was wrong for security personnel to become involved in personal disputes that result in the loss of innocent lives and urged the relevant authorities to restore public confidence in security.

Jinja District Woman Member of Parliament Peace Tibyaze also expressed sorrow over the killings, saying the country should reconsider the current lining-up method used in LC1 elections.

She proposed a return to secret ballot voting, arguing that it would reduce tensions and help prevent violence during village elections.

Tibyaze also appealed to the Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babalanda, to take action against Resident District Commissioners who repeatedly feature in incidents of unrest.

She pledged to help clear debts left behind by the deceased and committed to supporting the education of the child left behind by one of the victims.

The legislator further raised concerns over what she described as growing political divisions in Buwenge, saying some elected leaders are being denied the opportunity to address public gatherings.

“Mama Babalanda, this chairperson is not allowed to speak anywhere in this town, yet he is the duly elected chairperson of this town council. This law needs to be amended to save people’s lives during elections,” Tibyaze said.

Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda condemned the killings and directed that all those implicated be arrested and prosecuted.

She said it was unacceptable that Buwenge continues to record election-related deaths and pledged that the government would ensure justice is served.

“It is unacceptable that people continue to lose their lives during elections. Everyone implicated must be arrested and taken to court,” Babalanda said.

The minister announced government support of Shs10 million for each bereaved family, in addition to Shs5 million per family contributed by the Inspector General of Police, Abbas Byakagaba.

She also criticised leaders who incite violence or shield those involved in criminal acts, saying such actions undermine peace and security.

Babalanda expressed concern that Buwenge was the only area in the country to register fatal election-related shootings during the recent LC1 polls, saying security agencies must establish why such incidents continue to occur there.

After the burial, the minister visited Buwenge Police Station, where the officers implicated in the incident are attached. She also sought updates on residents arrested during the unrest and on property confiscated during the operation to ensure the cases are handled lawfully.

The latest shootings have revived memories of a similar incident during party primary elections last year in which another person was killed under comparable circumstances, further intensifying calls for reforms to election security and the conduct of village polls.

By the time of publication, police had not yet issued a detailed public statement on the circumstances surrounding the shooting.