ARUA - The Resident City Commissioner (RCC) of Arua, Salim Kumakech, on Friday directed police to take full control of the Arua City NRM mayoral election process following violent clashes and allegations of electoral malpractice during the tallying of votes.
The directive came after chaos broke out in the tally centre at West Nile Regional Mechanical Workshop near Arua Central Police station.
Rival supporters of incumbent Mayor Wadri Sam Nyakua and his main challenger, Lawrence Alionzi Dangote, a former Makerere University Guild President, clashed over disputed results.
The RCC confirmed the arrest of Tom Amagu, the NRM registrar for Arua City, over allegations of election malpractice.
Earlier in the day, tension gripped the city headquarters and central police station where the results were being kept after a group of angry youth demanded that Alionzi be declared the winner of the heated mayoral race.
“Police have been ordered to take charge and restore calm immediately. The safety of our people and the sanctity of the electoral process must be protected,” RCC Kumakech stated.
Tallying suspended amid irregularities
According to the West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson, Asea Collins, the tallying of votes for Yivu Ward and Etori Ward has been suspended pending investigations into result alterations by registrars.
“In accordance with GEF/100/2025, we have seized all related election materials and secured them at Arua Central Police Station. Investigations are underway, and those responsible will be brought to book,” Asea said.
The tally was reportedly set to resume when an official from the NRM secretariat arrived in Arua City.
Arrest of NRM registrar
In a separate but related development, NRM City Registrar Tom Amagu was arrested on allegations of issuing fake declaration forms.
His arrest has further deepened the crisis, with the RCC confirming that the matter is under investigation.
“We urge the public to remain calm and trust that the electoral process is being handled with transparency,” the RCC assured.
Rising tension and delayed results
The tallying process, which was initially suspended around 8:00 PM on Thursday, resumed at 4:00 AM on Friday.
Tensions remained high across Ayivu West Division, with widespread concern over delayed results and alleged irregularities.
Supporters of both camps accused electoral officials of bias, while others are questioning the decision to allow police to manage the tallying process.
Authorities increased security deployments around the tally centre and key hotspots in Arua City to prevent further violence and ensure peace is restored.