As the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) gears up for its primary elections, Kiira Region Police Commander (RPC) SSP Charles Nsaba has issued a stern warning to all political candidates and their supporters: violence will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Speaking during a Regional Joint Operations Command (JOC) meeting held on July 11 at Jinja City Hall, Nsaba emphasized that perpetrators of violence, voter intimidation, and misuse of gangs or “egali” will face arrest and prosecution.
“Violence in all its forms including property destruction, physical attacks, online hate campaigns, and harassment undermines democratic participation. It reduces voter turnout and violates the rights of Ugandans to vote and be voted for,” said Nsaba.
The RPC encouraged political candidates to embrace nonviolent methods of resolving disputes, including consistent communication, mediation, and legal recourse.
“We must reject violence and promote issue-based campaigns. No political ambition should come at the cost of public safety,” he stated.
Richard Gulume, Resident City Commissioner (RCC) for Jinja and Dean of RCCs and RDCs in Busoga, echoed the police warning.
He announced that the City and District Security Committees (CSC & DSC) will regularly meet with NRM candidates to uphold peaceful conduct throughout the campaign period.
He reiterated that NRM’s legacy in the region is built on the four pillars of Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Socioeconomic Transformation, and Democracy leaving no room for political violence.
Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Kanyesigye, Commander of the Busoga cantonment, reaffirmed the army’s readiness to support police efforts in maintaining peace.
“We are prepared to live, work, and sacrifice for Uganda’s peace,” he said.
SP David Kamugira, the Jinja CPS DPC, emphasized that security teams will protect people, property, and infrastructure without bias.
The Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC) has stepped up surveillance ahead of the NRM primaries. Intelligence-led deployments will target known hotspots and monitor potential troublemakers.
The next Regional JOC meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 16, just before the NRM primaries on July 17.
Security chiefs will finalize their tactical plans to ensure a smooth, safe election process across the region.
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