SIRONKO, Uganda — Ugandan presidential candidate Nathan Nandala Mafabi was injured on Thursday after violence broke out at a polling station in Sironko District, highlighting growing security concerns surrounding the country’s tense election.
The incident occurred at Bukimali polling station in Bugusege Sub-county, where clashes erupted between rival political supporters.
Mr Mafabi was struck by a stone allegedly thrown during a confrontation involving backers of parliamentary candidate Jackson Wanyoto and supporters of Reverend Jackson Magombe of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC).
Mr Mafabi had earlier endorsed Reverend Magombe as his preferred successor in Budadiri Constituency, a move that appears to have heightened tensions at the polling centre.
According to the Sironko Resident District Commissioner, Ephraim Balwanilewa, the presidential candidate sustained injuries after being hit by a stone and was subsequently rushed to C-Care Hospital in Mbale City for medical treatment.
The violence also left Mr Mafabi’s driver, Jackson Modi, injured after he was shot during the chaos.
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The circumstances under which the shooting occurred remain unclear, and authorities had not immediately indicated whether any arrests had been made.
Thursday’s incident adds to a growing list of election-related disturbances reported across Uganda, as security agencies remain on high alert amid allegations of voter intimidation, excessive force, and disruptions at polling stations.
Uganda’s elections have repeatedly been marred by sporadic violence, particularly in politically contested areas, with opposition figures accusing state institutions of failing to provide a level playing field.
The government has consistently defended its security operations as necessary to maintain public order.
