The race for Tororo Municipality Member of Parliament has intensified following the death of a key mobiliser for MP aspirant Shyam Tanna under unclear circumstances.
Khalid Saleh Muyaga, described as one of Tanna’s chief mobilisers, was found dead on Friday morning, December 26, 2025, in a corridor near Capital Pub in Tororo Municipality.
He was reportedly mobilising women ahead of a planned meeting with Tanna later in the day.
Sources familiar with the incident said Muyaga had appeared normal before he suddenly collapsed and died. News of his death quickly spread across the municipality, prompting residents to gather in small groups amid speculation and concern.
Some residents have linked the incident to heightened political tensions in the constituency, citing alleged threats and intimidation directed at supporters of Tanna.
Claims have circulated that one of the rival aspirants had previously issued threats against Tanna’s supporters, although these allegations have not been independently verified.
There are also reports of video recordings in circulation in which sectarian language is allegedly used to discourage Tanna from holding public rallies.
Ugandan law prohibits the use of sectarian statements to incite hostility or violence.
A source within Tanna’s campaign said supporters have faced repeated intimidation, including attacks and threats, which they claim have not been adequately addressed by security agencies.
The same source also reported that groups of youths have been moving around Tororo town vandalising campaign posters and banners.
By press time, police had not released an official statement on the incident. However, authorities confirmed that a postmortem examination was underway to establish the cause of death, and investigations had been launched.
The incident comes as competition between Tanna and the incumbent MP, Apollo Yeri Ofwono, continues to sharpen ahead of the January 15, 2026 elections.
