Africa-Press – Uganda. Police have said they have tightened the noose around any would-be perpetuators of violence ahead of the NRM primaries.
The ruling party will on Wednesday go to polls in a bid to determine flag bearers for various positions in the forthcoming 2026 general election.
Addressing journalists on Monday, Police spokesperson, Kituuma Rusoke said there have been some incidents of violence during the ruling party campaigns involving various actors and camps.
He however described these as being isolated.
Nevertheless, the Police spokesperson said they are on high alert, working together with other security agencies to avert any chaos.
“We have observed rising tensions manifesting in violent attacks, hiring of goons, vandalism of vehicles, waylaying of rival parties, and the use of radio platforms to defame opponents through malicious allegations and sectarian innuendos,”Rusoke said.
“Additionally, disruptive behaviours such as deploying noisy public address systems to interrupt rallies have been reported.”
Previously, there have been cases of violence reported in several parts of the country including the highly volatile Ssembabule and Arua among others.
According to police, they have mapped out electoral hotspots and engaged political actors and other stakeholders extensively.
“The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has conducted physical visits and assessments in districts including Sembabule, Mbarara, Isingiro, Kabale, Rukiga, and Rukungiri, meeting with political actors, district security committees, and candidates involved in the NRM primaries. District security committees are actively working to promote harmony and maintain order.”
Rusoke explained that candidates moving with large groups of people, hiring of goons and carrying of guns at the tally centres will not be allowed.
“The IGP has given commanders firm assurances that they should work under the law and will be protected. We don’t expect people carrying firearms at the tally centers and a candidate is allowed to move with only four people to the tally centre. This act of coming of many people to overwhelm electoral process will not be allowed,” Rusoke said.
He warned that anyone involved violence during the forthcoming NRM primaries will have to face the wrath of the law.
“There is a tendency for people to think you commit an offence and when elections are over you go back to normal business, you will account for all your offences no matter when.”
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