Police have confirmed that one person has been killed and several injured as security operatives dispersed crowds at Iganga Railway Grounds in Iganga District where National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate organised a rally.
According to a statement issued by Police on Friday evening, the shooting was prompted by stone-throwing incited by Kyagulanyi , which resulted in serious injuries of security officers and vandalism of several police vehicles .
“ The officers responded to the violence by dispersing the unruly crowds , during which one civilian fatality occurred ,the deceased is identified as Misaki Okello ,an adult male ,” the statement reads in part .
Police said several suspects linked to Friday’s violence have been arrested and are currently in police custody.
“The Uganda Police Force strongly condemns this hooliganism and warns that confronting armed officers poses grave risks,will not be tolerated ,and will face decisive action ,” the statement adds .
The day’s campaigns had progressed well for the better part of the day despite heavy security deployment and widespread roadblocks.
The blockade caused long traffic delays, diverted motorists onto alternative routes, and left many commuters stranded along the usually busy Jinja-Iganga –Tororo highway .
Security officials said the measures were intended to maintain public order and prevent what they described as “unauthorised gatherings.”
As a result, Kyagulanyi was neither permitted to address nor interact with supporters within Jinja City. Residents who attempted to gather along roadsides were quickly dispersed.
Despite the heavy security presence, small groups of enthusiastic residents lined the streets hoping to catch sight of the NUP leader, though most were blocked before reaching the expected rally points.
Police later instructed Kyagulanyi’s convoy to move directly to Iganga District, where he was scheduled to continue his mobilisation activities.
The disruptions sparked mixed reactions among locals. Some residents expressed disappointment at the restrictions, while others welcomed the heightened security presence, saying it was necessary to maintain order.
Kyagulanyi’s team strongly criticised the operation, calling it an infringement on political freedoms. As hundreds of security operatives forced on pursuing Kyagulanyi’s entourage thousands of NUP supporters took to the streets, demonstrated peacefully without any interruption from police .
Police, however, maintained that their actions were aimed at ensuring public safety and the smooth flow of city activities. Tomorrow , Saturday Kyagulanyi is campaigning in Masaka –another NUP stronghold like Jinja and Iganga.