There was drama in Kiwanga-Bweyogerere, Kira Municipality, Uganda, after police arrested two men who allegedly disguised themselves as women in an attempt to participate in the ongoing Village Women’s Committee elections.
The incident, which has since sparked widespread debate on social media, unfolded during the country’s nationwide Women Councils and Committees electoral programme, an exercise being conducted by the Uganda Electoral Commission to elect women representatives at the village level.
According to preliminary reports, the two suspects arrived at a polling station dressed in women’s clothing and allegedly attempted to blend in with female voters. However, members of the public reportedly became suspicious of their appearance and behaviour, prompting them to question the pair before alerting security officers stationed nearby.
A video that has since gone viral on social media captures the tense moments as a large crowd gathers around the two men. In the footage, curious onlookers can be seen surrounding the suspects while police officers intervene to prevent the situation from escalating. The officers later escorted the pair away from the crowd for questioning.
Authorities believe the suspects intended to cast ballots in an election that, under the Electoral Commission’s guidelines, is strictly reserved for registered women voters. The elections are specifically designed to allow women to elect their own representatives, making eligibility a key requirement for participation.
Following their arrest, the two men were taken to a nearby police station, where they remain in custody as detectives continue with investigations into the incident. Police are working to establish the motive behind the alleged attempt and determine whether any electoral laws or criminal offences may have been violated.
As of now, authorities have not released the identities of the suspects, and no formal charges have been announced. Police have indicated that further details will be made public once investigations are complete.
The unusual incident has generated mixed reactions online, with many social media users expressing surprise over the alleged attempt, while others have called for authorities to allow due process before drawing conclusions. The viral video has continued to circulate widely, attracting thousands of comments and reigniting discussions about electoral integrity, voter eligibility, and security measures at polling stations.
Election officials have not indicated whether the incident disrupted voting at the polling station, but security personnel have urged members of the public to remain calm and allow investigators to handle the matter professionally.
The arrest comes as Uganda continues to conduct local-level elections aimed at strengthening grassroots representation through Women Councils and Committees. Authorities have reiterated that only eligible and duly registered voters are permitted to participate in the designated electoral exercises.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing, and police are expected to determine whether the suspects will be formally charged or released after the inquiry is concluded.
