At least 12 people are confirmed dead, and dozens are injured following violent clashes between security forces and opposition supporters across central Uganda and Kampala in the aftermath of the just-concluded general elections.
The violence first erupted on the election day, Thursday, January 16, evening, as supporters questioned the results at polling stations, triggering confrontations that would leave families mourning their loved ones.
Butambala District became ground zero for the bloodshed, where seven people suspected of supporting incumbent legislator Muhammed Muwanga Kivumbi, a close ally of Bobi Wine, were allegedly shot dead by security personnel.
Regional Police Commander Lydia Katushabe confirmed the deaths, stating that violence broke out after supporters allegedly stormed vote-counting centers three times.
“They came with a jerrycan of fuel, sprinkled it in the office, and set it on fire. It happened so fast, we could not stop them,” revealed Commander Katushabe.
However, Kivumbi, who lost the Butambala County parliamentary race to independent candidate Erias Mukiibi, has denied these accusations completely.
Three additional victims sustained gunshot wounds during the same confrontation, while police arrested 25 people on charges of assaulting security personnel.
Beyond Butambala, five more people were killed in separate incidents in Luweero and Kalungu districts during election-related unrest on Thursday.
Kampala's Makindye Division descended into chaos on Friday, January 16, morning as protesters blocked major roads using logs and debris before setting them ablaze.
Deputy spokesman for Kampala police, Luke Owoyesigyire, stated that security forces deployed throughout the evening and night to restore order.
Our teams are on the ground to address the disturbance. I cannot give a full assessment now because the operation is still ongoing, ”stated Deputy spokesperson Owoyesigyiere.
In Kayunga District, supporters of National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Harriet Nakuwadde protested results showing National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate Jackline Birungi leading.
The protests turned violent when demonstrators attacked and set fire to NRM district offices, stealing more than Ush5 million, about Ksh500,000, intended for party agents.
Disturbing reports also emerged of armed men in military uniforms raiding polling stations along Entebbe Road, firing shots and fleeing with ballot boxes.
Provisional Presidential results released by the Election Commission of Uganda on Friday, January 16, 2026, one day after the hotly contested elections, revealed that out of 21.6 million registered voters, results show incumbent President Yoweri Museveni leading with 61.7 per cent of the votes, while Robert Kyagulanyi trails with 33.6 per cent of the total votes.
As tallying continues, heavy security remains deployed across affected areas while families count the cost of democracy in lives lost.
