At least one person has been confirmed dead following a shooting that occurred shortly after a campaign rally for National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, also known as Bobi Wine, in Iganga.
The incident adds to a long string of violent confrontations between security forces and Kyagulanyi’s supporters. Police have consistently argued that they are breaking up what they term unauthorized processions restricted by the Electoral Commission, a justification that has heightened public alarm over increasing police force during the election season.
The deceased has been identified as Meshach Okello. His killing comes only days after chaotic clashes in Kayunga, where several people were injured by tear gas and other crowd-control measures.
According to Bobi Wine, the violence broke out after what he described as a peaceful and successful rally. He said that as supporters were heading home, security forces including police and military opened fire on unarmed civilians.
“We have confirmed the cold-blooded murder of Meshach Okello, who was shot through the head,” Bobi Wine said. He added that several others were critically injured, naming the victims as Nuwamanya Samuel (24), Naminya Banuli (44), and Faima Namusobya (24).
Police issued a separate statement presenting a different account of events. According to the force, officers deployed to maintain public order were attacked with stones by sections of the crowd, allegedly incited by the candidate. Police said the confrontation left some officers seriously injured and resulted in damage to several patrol vehicles.
The statement added that during efforts to disperse the crowd, one civilian was shot and killed, identifying the deceased as Meshach Okello, an adult male.
Several NUP supporters were arrested and are currently detained.
Bobi Wine has claimed that more than 400 of his supporters have been arrested since the presidential campaigns began.
