Africa-Press – Uganda. Authorities in Ntungamo District have pledged to ensure peace and security as voters head to the polls on Thursday for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries to choose the LC5 Chairperson and Mayor for Ntungamo Municipality.
Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Isaiah Byarugaba Kanyamahaane has vowed to prevent a repeat of the violence and voter intimidation that plagued the recent parliamentary primaries.
He said security deployments have been significantly increased and a number of suspects linked to electoral violence have already been arrested.
“We have enforced manpower more than what we had,” Byarugaba told in an interview.
“Some of the goons masquerading as bouncers—hired by candidates—have been arrested and taken to court. Others are still in custody.”
Reflecting on the chaos during the parliamentary primaries, the RDC condemned the use of hired thugs and warned candidates and institutions against mobilizing illegal voters from outside the district.
“Previously, they hired voters from outside Ntungamo, and we’ve cautioned institutions not to allow their students to engage in these politics,” he said.
Byarugaba revealed that some candidates had allegedly enlisted students from nearby institutions to participate in the primaries—an act he said is being closely monitored.
School administrators have been warned against facilitating such practices.
He also called on election officials to maintain neutrality and professionalism.
“We have also cautioned the registrars not to engage in unfair acts. With these measures, I believe we shall be at the top of the game,” he said.
The stakes are high in both the mayoral and LC5 contests, which have attracted intense competition under the banner of delivering a “new Ntungamo.”
In the race for Mayor of Ntungamo Municipality, the candidates include incumbent Kafureeka Jacobs Jaka Jex, Isa Kazimbaya, and Hajji Hakim Muhekyi.
For the district chairperson seat, incumbent Sam Musinguzi faces off against Naboth Mpirirwe and John Kabeeho.
The violent incidents during the recent parliamentary primaries have sparked alarm among residents and NRM party leaders.
The RDC’s public assurance is now seen as key to restoring voter confidence and safeguarding the integrity of the primaries.
Residents say they hope Thursday’s vote will be peaceful, free, and fair—marking a decisive break from the unrest that has long tainted elections in the district.
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