Tensions have reached a boiling point in Samia Bugwe North as the area is rocked by violence just days ahead of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries. One person has been confirmed dead, with multiple others injured in what is now being described as politically motivated attacks.
The body of a well-known local DJ, identified as Pholy — real name Paul Wandera, a mobilizer for NRM parliamentary aspirant John Paul Wandera was discovered early this morning at Namungodi Primary School playgrounds. The deceased bore deep cuts to the head, with residents suspecting he was brutally hacked during the night.
Paul Wandera, who shares a name with the deceased, is a key contender for the NRM flag in Samia Bugwe North. According to his campaign team, at least ten of their supporters were ambushed and seriously injured overnight by unknown men armed with machetes.
“This was not random. Our people were targeted for their support,” one of Wandera’s supporters told reporters. “The attackers mentioned names and asked about who we support.”
Allegations are swirling that supporters of the incumbent, Hon. John Mulimba, are behind the violence. Some even claim that soldiers loyal to Lt. Gen. Andrew Guti are being used to intimidate and suppress Wandera’s campaign.
“This is no longer politics; it’s warfare,” a resident lamented. “People are now scared to wear campaign t-shirts.”
Security forces have yet to issue an official statement, but local leaders are calling for immediate intervention to restore calm and ensure free and fair elections.
As the NRM primaries near, the growing unrest in Samia Bugwe North has raised fears of more bloodshed unless swift action is taken to end the violence.