Fact Check! Wanale Deadly Tragedy Linked To Family Land Dispute, Not Political Rivalry

By Swift Reporter 

Residents of Wanale Sub-County in Mbale District, in eastern Uganda, are mourning the tragic death of Nabende Moses following a violent altercation arising from a long-standing family land dispute. The incident, while deeply unfortunate, has been widely misrepresented in some circles as a politically motivated clash, a characterization that available information does not support.

Preliminary accounts indicate that the incident stemmed from an internal family disagreement involving the deceased’s father and some of his children. The disagreement, reportedly over family land matters, escalated into a confrontation. In the course of the altercation, one family member allegedly intended to attack his brother but instead struck their father with a panga. The injuries sustained in the confusion later resulted in the death of Nabende Moses.

Importantly, this tragic occurrence was not a confrontation between political supporters of rival candidates, nor was it instigated by any political actor. Authorities and community sources emphasize that the events were rooted in personal and familial conflict, not political mobilisation or rivalry. Attempts to portray the incident as a clash between supporters of Hon. Wanyenya Shafiga and Hon. Magolo John Faith risk distorting the facts and inflaming unnecessary tensions within the community.

Hon. Wanyenya Shafiga has not been linked in any way to the events that led to this loss of life. Nevertheless, in the aftermath, some allegations have emerged seeking to draw him into the tragedy for political advantage. Such claims remain unsubstantiated and risk politicizing a deeply personal and painful family matter at a time when restraint and empathy are most needed.

Several individuals sustained injuries during the unrest and are currently receiving medical care at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital and Mbale General Hospital. As preparations are underway for the burial of the late Nabende Moses, scheduled for tomorrow at 2:00 PM in Wanale, leaders and residents alike are being urged to remain calm and respectful.

This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of unresolved family disputes and the consequences of allowing personal conflicts to escalate into violence. Community leaders and political figures are encouraged to promote peaceful dialogue, discourage misinformation, and prioritize unity over division.

As Wanale comes to terms with this loss, it is vital that the tragedy be addressed with honesty, compassion, and responsibility. The focus must remain on healing, justice, and the preservation of peace, rather than exploiting grief for partisan or political ends.