Two UPDF Soldiers Arrested Over Sembabule LC Elections Shooting

The Sembabule District Police has arrested two Uganda People’s Defence Soldiers (UPDF) over the violence that marred the local council elections in Sembabule Town council which saw two civilians left injured after UPDF soldiers allegedly shot at the National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate William Kangave’s car on Wednesday.

According to the Greater Masaka Regional Police Spokesperson Twaha Kasirye, Sembabule police arrested two suspects whose names have been withheld to assist investigations of an attempted murder case by shooting.

“It’s alleged that in the night today, the 4th of February 2026, unknown people allegedly moving in a super custom car, fired bullets on two motor vehicles, one which is numberless Toyota Noah and another one a Toyota Wish registration number UB 2055U” he said.

Kasirye said in the ensuing shooting, two people were injured, including Rogers Ssekiwala who was rushed to Guma Guma hospital for medical attention after he was shot in the thigh.

“Another one was Meddie Male Kawuki was shot in the buttocks, and this one has been rushed to Masaka Regional Referral Hospital in a critical condition” he said.

Kasirye said that the force is still investigating the root cause of the matter and called upon good Samaritans to assist police with information to help in its investigation.

“It’s alleged that the suspects were moving with one, Murunji Jackson, as aspiring mayor of Sembabule Town Council, on an independent ticket”he said.Kasirye revealed that Murungi has also been summoned to make a statement of what transpired.

“We have also summoned Mr Murunji to come and also give us his side of the story” he said.While addressing media on Wednesday, NUP’s Kangave alleged that two of his supporters, Sekiwa Rogers and Male Meddie were shot at 3am by UPDF soldiers as they attempted to stop his rival candidate from allegedly distributing money.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday in Kiwuula Village, Sembabule Town Council. According to preliminary findings, agents of George William, the National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate, intercepted two vehicles belonging to their rival, independent candidate Jackson Murungi Bashira.

The agents reportedly suspected Murungi’s team of engaging in late-night voter bribery ahead of the elections scheduled for Wednesday.

During the ensuing scuffle, soldiers attached to Murungi as escorts allegedly opened fire.