Violent political clashes in Isingiro South have left two people dead and several others injured, highlighting growing tensions ahead of the 2026 general elections. The violence stems from escalating hostilities between supporters of incumbent MP Alex Byarugaba Bakunda and rival candidate Maari Assensio Mujuni.
The latest outbreak occurred on Friday in Kyempisi Village, where rival processions clashed en route to a campaign rally. The confrontation resulted in the burning of a vehicle and two motorcycles. The following day, Reuben Ngurusi, 34, a known supporter of Bakunda, was allegedly ambushed and killed in a suspected revenge attack. His widow, Mackline Kyomuhendo, attributed his death to political violence, saying he was targeted for his loyalty to Bakunda.
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According to local accounts, Ngurusi may have previously been involved in an earlier attack on Mujuni’s supporters, which provoked the retaliatory mob killing. His body was later transferred from Rwekubo Health Centre IV to Mbarara Hospital for a postmortem.
Tensions in Ruyanga Sub-county, where much of the violence has occurred, have been mounting since June, with earlier reports of stabbings and mob attacks. Community leaders and residents describe an increasingly polarized atmosphere, where supporters of either candidate fear crossing paths with their opponents.
Vice chairperson Richard Twinomujuni confirmed several injuries and rising insecurity, with many families now abandoning their homes. He urged locals to reject political violence, warning that elected leaders will return to the capital while residents remain to deal with the consequences.
Some residents, including Glorious Tukahirwa, are calling for an immediate suspension of campaign activities to prevent further bloodshed. In response, the NRM Electoral Commission has officially halted all campaign events in Isingiro South, while local leaders have requested heightened security in hotspot areas.
Bakunda condemned the violence and accused his opponent’s camp—particularly Maari’s father, John Baptist Maari—of importing “goons” from Kampala to instigate chaos. He stressed that such actions contradict the values of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), noting that political contests in the region had previously been peaceful.
Police have confirmed Ngurusi’s death and said 10 suspects have been arrested, with investigations ongoing. Though authorities have only confirmed one fatality, residents claim that another victim, Collins Arimpa of Kyehuna II Village, also succumbed to injuries from Friday’s skirmishes.
The ongoing unrest in Isingiro South underscores the broader concerns about politically motivated violence in Uganda as campaigns intensify ahead of the national elections.
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