According to a statement issued late Friday night, Bobi Wine said the violence erupted just as supporters were leaving the venue following what he described as a peaceful and successful gathering.

He accused both police and army officers of once again “attacking us unprovoked” and firing live ammunition at civilians. “We have confirmed the cold-blooded murder of Meshach Okello, who was shot in the head,” he said.

The NUP president further alleged that security forces removed two additional bodies from the scene and identified three other victims Nuwamanya Samuel (24), Naminya Banuli (44), and Faima Namusobya (24) who are reportedly in critical condition.

Bobi Wine concluded by demanding accountability from President Yoweri Museveni’s government, accusing it of committing “crimes against humanity.”

Police Give Contradictory Account

The Uganda Police Force, however, issued a counter-narrative. In a press statement, spokesperson Kituuma Rosoke acknowledged the death but identified the deceased as Misaki Okello. He insisted that the security deployment in Iganga faced intense hostility from NUP supporters.

Rosoke claimed that supporters, allegedly incited by the candidate, launched violent attacks including stone-throwing, injuring several officers and damaging police patrol vehicles. “Our officers acted to disperse the violent crowds,” the statement noted, adding that the fatal shooting happened during this operation.

Police reported that multiple individuals linked to the disturbances had been arrested and were being held for further investigation.

Rosoke condemned what he described as “acts of hooliganism”, warning that any attempts to confront armed security personnel “carry serious consequences and will be met with firm action.”