Daniel Mugula
26/10/2026
Police have arrested 20 people following an attack on Hon. Herbert Kinobere, the Member of Parliament for Kibuku County, and other mourners reportedly targeted over their political affiliation during the burial of former Busiro South Member of Parliament Charles Matovu in Kungu-Lutale, along Nakawuka Road.
The incident occurred on October 25, 2026, during the burial ceremony, where a group of suspected National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters allegedly attacked mourners perceived to be supporters of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said on Monday, while addressing journalists at the Uganda Police headquarters in Naguru, that the attackers allegedly assaulted Hon. Kinobere and other mourners, deflated tyres of the legislator’s vehicle and pelted stones at people whose political affiliation they opposed.
Rusoke said police officers intervened to restore order and protect mourners who had fled the scene to escape the violence. The operation led to the arrest of 20 suspects, who are currently in police custody and are expected to be taken to court or dealt with in accordance with the law.
The police spokesperson condemned the violence and urged members of the public to respect mourners regardless of their political affiliation.
He emphasised that burial ceremonies bring together people from different backgrounds, including relatives, friends, colleagues and political associates, making it unacceptable for anyone to dictate who should attend based on political allegiance.
Rusoke noted that a deceased person’s social and family relationships extend beyond politics, adding that no group should prevent others from paying their last respects because of differing political views.
He further warned that individuals who engage in violence, intimidation or destruction of property would be held personally accountable for their actions, regardless of the political message they claim to be advancing.
“The law isolates you as an individual,” Rusoke said, cautioning that political affiliation would not shield anyone from the consequences of unlawful conduct.
Police have urged the public to maintain peace and tolerance, particularly during public gatherings and burial ceremonies, as investigations into the incident continue
