Fatal confrontation erupts over Kasese council vote
A 30-year-old man was killed following a campaign altercation over upcoming local council elections in Kasese District, according to regional law enforcement officials.
The fatal confrontation unfolded on the night of July 25, 2026, at approximately 9:50 p.m., according to ASP Elly Maate, the Rwenzori East Regional Police spokesperson. The victim, Masereka Nelson, resided in Kisanga Village within Maliba Parish, Maliba Sub-county.
Arguments turn physical in Kisanga Village
Police investigators stated that Nelson became embroiled in a heated verbal dispute with a man identified only as Sowedi. The argument centered on the forthcoming Local Council I (LC I) chairperson elections. What began as a verbal exchange rapidly escalated into physical violence.
According to police accounts, Sowedi picked up a stone and struck Nelson on the forehead. The blow caused Nelson to collapse to the ground, where the suspect allegedly continued to assault him before fleeing the scene.
Desperate attempts to save the victim
A friend intervened and rushed the severely injured man to a nearby local drug shop to administer first aid, subsequently alerting Nelson’s family.
The following morning, relatives transferred the victim to Rukoki Hospital. Attending medical personnel pronounced Nelson dead at approximately 5:00 p.m.
Manhunt nets fleeing suspect
Following the incident, police tracked the fleeing suspect across district lines. Authorities apprehended Sowedi while he was in hiding in Bunyangabo District. He is currently slated for transfer to the Hiima Division to face formal criminal prosecution.
Nationwide polls loom amid security concerns
The fatal altercation occurred just days before voters across Uganda are scheduled to cast ballots in LC I chairperson elections across more than 70,000 villages on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
In response to the tragedy, police authorities issued a public appeal urging citizens to reject political violence and manage disagreements through peaceful channels. Law enforcement officials reminded candidates and their supporters that local electoral contests must not come at the cost of human lives.
Police investigations into the murder remain ongoing.
