Tension gripped Buwenge Town Council, Jinja District, this morning, Friday, August 15, 2025, after police shot and killed a young man identified as Boyi, a matooke vendor at Buwenge Market. The incident occurred along the Jinja–Kamuli Highway as security forces moved to disperse rowdy youths protesting the arrest of their colleagues during Thursday’s NRM primaries.
According to residents who spoke on condition of anonymity, Boyi was among a group of supporters allied to Buwenge Town Council chairperson aspirant Ozanya Isma. On Thursday, August 14, during the primaries, the group allegedly moved from one polling station to another armed with pangas, knives, sticks, and iron bars. They are accused of attacking rival supporters and tearing posters belonging to the incumbent, Kinosa Isabirye Hassan.
Witnesses claim the group was operating from a vehicle reportedly belonging to the NRM registrar, Juma Mpango, prompting police intervention. Boyi was arrested and detained overnight at Buwenge Police Station.
Events took a deadly turn the following morning when Boyi, who had been instructed to clean the station, allegedly tried to escape with the assistance of protesting youths demanding his release. Police opened fire to disperse the crowd, fatally shooting Boyi in the chest.
The NRM primaries for the Buwenge Town Council chairperson seat saw Kinosa Isabirye Hassan declared winner with 2,935 votes, followed by Ozanya Isma with 1,498 votes, Waseme Andrew with 395 votes, and Kiswa Henry with 20 votes.
Following the shooting, military police were deployed across Buwenge as angry youths carried Boyi’s body to Kinosa’s home, accusing him of involvement in the killing. Traffic along the Jinja–Kamuli Road came to a standstill amid the chaos.
As of press time, Kiira Region Police spokesperson SP James Mubi had not yet commented on the incident. This remains a developing story.
