By Bazio Doreen.

Dzaipi Sub-County, Adjumani District | A vehicle belonging to the Adjumani Town Council Local Council III (LC III) Chairperson, Hon. Lawrence Mangapi, was set on fire in a heated confrontation in Dzaipi Sub-County, reflecting rising post-election tensions in the district.

In a widely shared video captured at the scene, the LC III chairperson’s car is shown engulfed in flames amid chaotic scenes involving local residents. The footage, which has circulated on social media and messaging platforms, documents the dramatic escalation of political unrest following Uganda’s recent elections.

What Happened?

According to police and eyewitness accounts, Hon. Mangapi, visited the home of Dulu Angel Mark, the National Resistance Movement (NRM)candidate for the Adjumani East County Parliamentary seat, who had recently lost the election.

What was reported by some as a kind gesture aimed at offering condolence and fostering unity quickly turned confrontational when a group of supporters confronted Mangapi and members of his entourage. During the ensuing confrontation, Mangapi and his companions were reportedly injured, and his vehicle — registration number UBR 018F — was torched.

Police in the district, under the leadership of Adjumani District Commander Herbert Masembe, later intervened to restore calm and launched an investigation to ascertain those responsible. North West Nile regional police spokesperson Collins Aseaappealed for restraint among residents as the inquiry continues.

Political Context in Adjumani.

Adjumani District has seen a tense political climate in the lead-up to and aftermath of the 2026 elections. The parliamentary race in Adjumani East saw an independent candidate, James Mamawi, defeat the NRM flag bearer Dulu Angel Mark, securing 18,149 votes against Mark’s 14,682.

The district’s LC V chairperson race also generated conflict in late 2025, with clashes reported between supporters of rival candidates, Ben Anyama (independent) and John Anyanzo Ambayo (NRM), including alleged attacks and motorcycle seizures.

These incidents signal growing political friction in Adjumani, where local elections — once relatively peaceful — have lately been accompanied by sporadic violence, disputes, and public disorder. Authorities have repeatedly called on residents and political actors to restrain from violent behavior and allow democratic processes to unfold without disruption.

Voices from the Ground.

In response to the Dzaipi incident, Dulu Angel Mark described the events as a misunderstanding. He said that as Mangapi and his delegation were arriving with symbolic gifts of goodwill, tensions escalated after Mangapi’s phone received calls from other leaders, which some supporters misinterpreted.

Chairperson Mangapi, for his part, emphasized that the visit was part of post-election engagement efforts aimed at reconciliation and unityamong local leaders. He dismissed rumors about unusual gifts, reaffirming the intent to promote dialogue across political divides.

Looking Ahead.

As investigations continue, local leaders and law enforcement are urging communities in Adjumani to embrace peace and allow room for political differences without resorting to violence. With multiple elections influencing both parliamentary and local leadership positions in the district, tensions may persist unless proactive engagement and unity efforts are prioritized.

Adjumani’s experience reflects broader challenges in Uganda’s local governance landscape — where political competition can quickly spill over into public disorder without robust conflict-resolution mechanisms and community dialogue.

END.