Kyebando Polling Station Chaos: Supporters Clash, Military Deployed

Tensions ran high at a polling station in Kyebando, Kampala, on Tuesday, leading to a brief halt in voting for the Local Council I (LCI) chairperson elections. The disruption occurred at St Paul Primary School in Kyebando Centre Zone.

Supporters of the incumbent chairperson, Lazarus Kagimu, an independent candidate, were accused of taking control of the polling station’s entrance early in the day. Reports suggest they selectively allowed access to individuals believed to support their camp, sparking immediate protests.

Rival candidates, including NRM’s Hajji Musa Nsereko and independent contender Samuel Mwanje, voiced strong objections. They alleged that eligible voters supporting opposing candidates were being deliberately denied entry, hindering their right to participate in the democratic process.

The situation escalated as residents, eager to cast their ballots, found themselves caught in the crossfire of disputes between the rival factions. Pushing and arguments ensued over who had the right to enter the voting area, with some residents unable to access the station even after being called from the voter’s register.

Initially, police monitored the unfolding disagreement. However, as tensions peaked, military personnel were deployed to effectively manage the situation and regulate access to the polling station. Their intervention proved crucial in de-escalating the conflict and allowing voting to eventually resume under controlled conditions.

Many residents expressed frustration, condemning the actions of candidate agents at the entrance. They argued that access management should solely be the responsibility of election officials, not party or candidate supporters.

While this incident caused a localized disruption, LCI elections across much of Uganda reportedly proceeded peacefully.