The Assistant Resident District Commissioner (ARDC) of Iganga District, Ronald Mwase, has been arrested for allegedly orchestrating election-related violence ahead of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries.
Mwase was apprehended on Tuesday alongside three others—Sharif Bogere, Ronald Mumbya, and Basisi Zaribu. The suspects are currently being held at Iganga Central Police Station.
According to Busoga East Regional Police Spokesperson Michael Kafayo, Mwase, a known supporter of incumbent Iganga District Woman Member of Parliament Sauda Alibawo, is accused of staging illegal roadblocks in Iganga Town, where he and his team reportedly assaulted supporters of Alibawo’s rival, Mariam Seif.
Kafayo further alleges that during the attacks, Mwase’s group stole money and other valuables from their victims. The violent confrontation is said to have lasted more than three hours—from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM—before police intervened.
Following the initial incident, Mwase and his group reportedly proceeded to Seif’s campaign camp in Buseyi, along the Iganga–Busia Road, where another heated clash broke out between the rival camps.
Police moved in to prevent further escalation and arrested Mwase and his associates. Kafayo confirmed the suspects are facing multiple charges, including inciting violence, causing grievous harm, malicious damage, and theft of property.
In addition, police impounded a music system and three vehicles linked to Alibawo’s camp. The seized vehicles include a FUSO truck (registration number UAX 968J), a Toyota Noah (UAY 559F), and a drone van (UBF 800K).
The NRM is set to conduct its party primaries on Thursday. Authorities say they are intensifying security to ensure peaceful proceedings.
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