Kampala — A video showing desperate pleas during a deadly security raid in Butambala District has resurfaced on social media, reigniting controversy over the violent incident that occurred during Uganda’s disputed January 2026 general election.
The footage and related posts on the platform X (formerly Twitter) depict civilians begging for mercy as uniformed officers moved through the property of opposition MP Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi on the night of January 15–16.
The raid took place at the home of the National Unity Platform (NUP) lawmaker in Butambala, where supporters had been guarding election materials amid tensions over vote counting and protests after the ballot. Kivumbi’s wife, identified in the video and posts as a human rights lecturer, can be heard urging him to stay inside as chaos unfolded outside.
Opposition accounts refer to the incident as the “Butambala Massacre,” alleging that security forces killed at least 10 unarmed civilians inside the residence during the operation. Supporters shared the clip on social media with hashtags like #SpotlightOnUgElection26 and personal testimonies of people crying and shouting for help as shots were fired.
However, government and security sources have offered a different narrative. Official statements and analysis from election reports describe the violence as part of clashes between security forces and groups that authorities labelled as “violent opposition elements” allegedly attempting to overrun a police station and tally centre nearby.
Police said forces used live ammunition in self-defence during the unrest following the 15 January election, which was marred by deep mistrust between opposition supporters and state security agencies.
At least seven people were confirmed killed in the wider clashes by state figures, though the exact number of fatalities at the MP’s home remains disputed.
Kivumbi was subsequently detained on treason and related charges, and continues to be held in custody as families of those killed demand investigations and accountability.
The resurfaced video has drawn renewed attention to human rights concerns and election violence that have marked Uganda’s 2026 polls. Observers and opposition groups are calling for independent probes and for the government to release full details of the operations that night, including identities of victims and the circumstances of the use of live ammunition.
This developing story reflects broader tensions in Uganda’s electoral process and ongoing debate over state actions during and after the vote count — a dispute that continues to shape political discourse across the country.
