By Mike Rwothomio

Clashes between supporters of rival Local Council V (LC V) candidates in Adjumani District on Sunday night have left one woman assaulted, two motorcycles impounded, and a mobile phone stolen in what police have described as campaign-related electoral violence.

The incidents occurred in Mbere village and outside Radio Aulogo in Adjumani town as tensions escalated between supporters of National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag-bearer Mr. Anyanzo John and the incumbent independent candidate Mr. Anyama Ben.

According to North West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson SP Collins Asea, supporters of Mr. Anyama Ben allegedly attacked and forcibly removed Ms. Morika Agness, an NRM supporter, from her motorcycle (reg. no. UFJ 784T) in Mbere village while she was returning from a campaign rally. Her mobile phone, valued at UGX 500,000, was stolen during the assault.

Asea added that , in apparent retaliation, supporters of Mr. Anyanzo John later mobilized and camped outside Radio Aulogo, reportedly planning to ambush Mr. Anyama Ben as he concluded a radio appearance.

Police swiftly intervened.

SP Asea reported that, a rapid response team led by the District Police Commander (DPC) was dispatched to the radio station, preventing further confrontation.

The DPC successfully persuaded the gathered NRM supporters to disperse peacefully, with the group issuing an apology for attempting to take the law into their own hands.

Asea confirmed that One suspect, Mr. Edema James Apiko, has been arrested in connection with the violence.

A robbery case has been opened under SDREF 47/23/11/2025.Both impounded motorcycles – UAW 970X (abandoned) and UFJ 784T (confiscated during the attack) have been recovered and returned to their respective owners.

Following the standoff, police escorted Mr. Anyama Ben to his residence and deployed two officers to guard his home overnight.

Police have urged all candidates and supporters in the West Nile’s Madi sub-region to refrain from electoral violence, emphasizing that “elections are not a matter of life and death.” 

Enhanced patrols continue in Adjumani town.As of Monday morning, calm has been restored, though investigations into the clashes remain ongoing.

SP Collins Asea, North West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson.

Mike Rwothomio is news editor at zoomer Africa, your number one grassroot information hub.