On Tuesday, a magistrate’s court in Ntungamo District remanded 33 men accused of involvement in election-related violence during the Ntungamo Municipality elections. They appeared before Principal Grade I Magistrate Christine Turibamwe.

Court Orders Custody Until February 9

The accused pleaded not guilty, and the court decided to keep them in custody until February 9, 2026. The court could not take pleas due to the absence of a state attorney. Magistrate Turibamwe informed the suspects they could apply for bail after the state appears.

Accused Carry Dangerous Weapons

The accused face charges of carrying dangerous and offensive weapons, including pangas, iron bars, and electric wire pieces. Police say the suspects carried the weapons with the intent to create confusion during the elections on January 15, 2026, in Ntungamo town.

Allegations of Hiring by Ntungamo MP

The police suspect that Ntungamo Municipality MP Yona Musinguzi hired the men as election guards. Many of the accused are not locals, raising suspicion. Most are bouncers, IT specialists, and boda boda riders, with some working in Kampala.

Election Violence History in Ntungamo

Ntungamo Municipality has witnessed election-related violence before. In the previous NRM primaries, Musinguzi was assaulted at a polling station and required brain surgery after a head injury. Musinguzi lost the seat in 2026 to Gerald Karuhanga, whom he defeated in 2021.