A deadly outbreak of political violence in eastern Uganda has left one person dead and several injured following clashes between rival supporters in Budaka District ahead of July 17 primaries, police said Monday.

The incident occurred late Sunday afternoon at Kadatume Primary School in Katira Sub-county, Iki-Iki County, where incumbent MP and ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate Robert Kasolo was addressing a rally.

According to police, violence erupted when a convoy of supporters belonging to Kasolo’s opponent, Mr Micheal Kawiso, approached the venue from Kameruka and began hurling stones at Kasolo’s gathering before fleeing the scene.

“This was quite an unfortunate and regrettable incident. A life has been lost under circumstances that could have been avoided. Politics should never be a game of life and death,” said ASP Wilfred Kyempasa, spokesperson for the North Bukedi Regional Police.

Police identified the deceased as Esau Magoola, who was reportedly pursued by Kawiso’s supporters, assaulted and cut with pangas (machetes) until he died. Kawiso did not immediately comment on the allegation.

Eyewitnesses said Magoola fell while trying to flee and was attacked by individuals known to local residents.

The incident has been recorded as a murder case under reference number Budaka CRB 287/2025. Police confirmed that the crime scene was documented and statements were taken from several witnesses.

“No arrests have been made yet, but investigations are ongoing,” ASP Kyempasa said, adding that the body had been taken to Budaka Health Centre IV and would be transferred to Mbale City Mortuary for a postmortem examination.

The fatal attack was first reported to authorities by Abel Mugalya, a 54-year-old teacher and resident of Bulalaka Village.

The police spokesperson warned of a worrying trend of escalating violence between supporters of rival candidates in the lead-up to Uganda’s 2026 general elections.

“This is not the first case. We are beginning to see a pattern of aggression and hostility at campaign events, which poses serious risks to peace and security,” he added.

Elsewhere in the region, similar incidents of election-related violence have been reported, including in neighboring Butebo District, further heightening concerns among electoral and security officials.

The clashes in Iki-Iki County underscore growing tensions in Uganda’s politically charged atmosphere, particularly in rural districts where competition for votes has increasingly turned confrontational. Over five people have been reported killed in election-linked violence in the build up to Thursday’s NRM elections to decide parliamentary flagbearers ahead of 2026 polls.

Authorities have urged political leaders to reign in their supporters and focus on peaceful, issue-based campaigning. The NRM has yet to comment on the developments. Uganda is scheduled to hold general elections for the presidency and legislature in January 2026.