Despite isolated incidents of political violence, the electoral environment remains largely calm as the country prepares for the NRM primaries for Member of Parliament and LC5 Chairperson positions, according to police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma.
Speaking during the weekly police press briefing at police headquarters in Naguru, a Kampala suburb, Kituuma emphasized that campaigning has officially ended, and law enforcement is on high alert to maintain order during the voting period.
“While political parties and the Electoral Commission have provided clear guidelines, and the legal framework is in place, we’ve noted deviations from these regulations by some candidates, aspirants, and their agents,” he said.
He revealed that rising political tensions have begun to manifest through violent incidents, including the hiring of goons, vandalism of campaign vehicles, ambushes targeting rival camps, and misuse of radio platforms to spread defamatory and sectarian content.
“Some individuals have gone as far as using noisy public address systems to deliberately interrupt opponents’ rallies,” he added.
In response to these disruptions, Kituuma said the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, has mapped out electoral hotspots and initiated extensive engagements with political players and stakeholders to encourage peaceful participation.
He confirmed that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has made physical visits to several key districts—among them Sembabule, Mbarara, Isingiro, Kabale, Rukiga, and Rukungiri—where he met with political actors, district security committees, and NRM candidates to assess the situation and reinforce security measures.
“District security committees are fully engaged in promoting harmony and ensuring that law and order prevail during this period,” Kituuma said, noting that in certain cases, police have had to disperse unruly crowds and make arrests to restore calm.
However, he was quick to point out that “several areas have experienced total peace and civility,” a sign that efforts to keep the electoral process on track are paying off.
Looking ahead to the voting day, Kituuma warned that security agencies will not tolerate disorderly conduct at tally centres.
“There will be no crowds allowed, and firearms will be strictly prohibited at these venues,” he stated.
He further clarified that only a specified number of agents per candidate will be allowed inside tally centres, and anyone attempting to sneak in unauthorized individuals or goons will be denied entry.
He reiterated that campaigning must cease immediately, in line with the electoral timeline, and that the police remain committed to working hand-in-hand with other security organs to ensure the integrity and peaceful conduct of the entire electoral process.
“We urge all political actors and citizens to uphold peace and respect the electoral laws and guidelines,” Kituuma concluded.
