Violence disrupted the election of the Women Council chairperson for Wandegeya Katale Zone in Kampala’s Kawempe Division on Thursday (July 23, 2026) forcing security forces to intervene before voting could continue.
The election, held at Wandegeya Mosque, began with voter verification and roll call before tensions escalated among supporters of the competing candidates.
Three candidates had been nominated for the contest: the incumbent, Rehema Bakanansa of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), independent candidate Harriet Namubiru, and Jalia Nakigozi of the National Unity Platform (NUP).
Shortly before polling began, Bakanansa withdrew from the race, alleging that Namubiru had brought in people who were not residents of the area to participate in the vote.
The allegations could not be independently verified.
Soon afterwards, disorder broke out when some of Bakanansa’s supporters, who were outside the mosque compound, threw stones at people gathered to vote.
Police and military personnel moved in to disperse the crowds and restore order.
During the unrest, Bukedde journalist Godfrey Lukanga was struck on the head by a stone and sustained serious injuries. He was rushed to a nearby health facility for treatment.
Voting resumed after security officers brought the situation under control. Namubiru was later declared the winner with 278 votes, while NUP candidate Nakigozi got five votes.
Earlier in the day, Kampala Resident City Commissioner Hajj Lule Umar Mawiya chaired a lengthy meeting involving security agencies and Electoral Commission officials in an effort to calm tensions and prevent further violence.
Following the declaration of results, Namubiru and her supporters celebrated through parts of Wandegeya before she addressed residents.
She thanked voters for their support and pledged to prioritise programmes aimed at improving the welfare and economic empowerment of women in the community.
The violence highlighted growing tensions surrounding Uganda’s ongoing local council elections, with security agencies maintaining a visible presence to prevent further disturbances.
