Police in Nakaseke District have launched investigations into the shooting of Dan Komuzaire, an aide to the incumbent Nakaseke North Member of Parliament, Enock Nyongore, just hours before today’s National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries.
Komuzaire, a resident of Gomero Village in Ngoma Town Council, was shot on Wednesday around 4:30 PM, according to Savannah Regional Police Spokesperson, Sam Twiineamazima. It is alleged that Komuzaire and a group of individuals attacked a vehicle belonging to Nyongore’s rival, Phillip Tumukunde Ndamira, a fellow NRM aspirant.
The group reportedly pelted stones at vehicle registration number UBR 690T and blocked the road, prompting a violent response from Ndamira’s civilian-clad bodyguards. Komuzaire was shot twice in the shoulder. He was later evacuated to Mengo Hospital for treatment by officers from Ngoma Police Station who responded to the scene. “A case of attempted murder by shooting has been registered. Relevant statements have been recorded, and we are hunting the perpetrators to face charges. We are also tracing the rifles used in the shooting and the vehicle involved,” Twiineamazima said.
Efforts to reach MP Nyongore for comment were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls from our reporter. Tensions between supporters of Nyongore and Ndamira have been simmering in the lead-up to today’s primaries. In June, several people were injured during violent clashes between the two camps following a rally. Ndamira had previously accused Komuzaire of orchestrating attacks against his supporters and asked police to investigate the aide—though no formal action was taken at the time. Nakaseke North, a known NRM stronghold, has a history of violent election cycles. Police have designated Ngoma Town Council, Kinoni, and Kinyogogga sub-counties as hotspots ahead of today’s vote.
Joint deployments of police and Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) personnel are in place to deter any further chaos. The constituency has long been marred by political violence. In 2011, FDC candidate Moses Kabalema’s vehicles were torched due to his opposition affiliation.
In 2016, opposition candidates, including then-presidential contender Dr. Kizza Besigye, were blocked from addressing residents, with some venues left empty following threats. By 2021, opposition parties had stopped fielding candidates in Nakaseke North, citing voter intimidation and attacks on agents—paving the way for Enock Nyongore to win unopposed on the NRM ticket.