Kiira region security lauded as NRM primaries conclude without teargas show

Security officials in the Kiira region have been commended for ensuring the peaceful conduct of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries, held on July 17 and July 24, 2025, without resorting to teargas to control crowds.

Regional Police Commander (RPC) SSP Charles Nsaba hailed the joint security forces for their proactive approach, which helped avert potential disruptions across Jinja City and Jinja District.

He praised their responsiveness and commitment, saying the coordinated effort had ensured credible primaries.

“I am so proud of what we achieved together. The joint teams were highly responsive and proactive in ensuring credible NRM primaries. We must maintain this spirit throughout the entire electoral cycle,” Nsaba said.

During the July 17 primaries, authorities responded to potential threats in several areas of Jinja City, including Masese-Walukuba, Namulesa, Mafubira, Bugembe, Mpumudde, Lubas Road, Gabula Road, and Main Street Primary School.

Security also managed tensions in Polota, Buwenge, Butagaya, Busede, and Buyengo in Jinja District. All incidents were swiftly contained, and no serious cases were reported.

The July 24 exercise, though largely peaceful, was marred by pre-election tensions. Six suspects were arrested for assault and malicious damage following clashes between supporters of mayoral candidates Farouk Kitakule and Rogers Rajabo Anjoga in Loco Cell, Southern Division, Jinja City.

Thirteen people sustained injuries and were treated at Jinja Main Hospital.

On election day, police intercepted several vehicles allegedly ferrying individuals to disrupt the polling process. One double-cabin vehicle was seized in Kakira town council, and the driver was detained at Kiira East division.

In Namagera town council, two trucks were also impounded Tipa UBH 049H, whose driver is still at large, and Fuso UAW 714V, whose driver was detained.

The operations were supervised by Deputy RPC SSP Christopher Katumba, and the vehicles remain parked at Kagoma Police Station for inspection and further inquiries.

Three election supervisors were arrested on July 24 over allegations of falsifying Declaration of Results (DR) forms.

Those in custody include Kiwagana Buwala, the Central Division Supervisor in Jinja City; Twaha Isabirye, 51, of Iwololo Village in Butagaya Sub-county; and Pader Balaba, 53, of Buwenge Rural Sub-county. Investigations into the matter are ongoing.

Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Richard Gulume, who also serves as Dean of RCCs and RDCs in the Busoga sub-region, praised RPC Nsaba for his “attention to detail, humility, and service,” crediting these traits for the peaceful primaries.

Gulume also expressed gratitude to Brigadier General Emmanuel Kanyesigye, Busoga sub-region Cantonment Commander, and SSP Deogracious Ogwapit, RPC for Prisons in the South Eastern Region, for their support in maintaining calm during the elections.

He called on victorious NRM candidates to mobilize responsibly for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the party as the country heads toward the national elections.

Gulume warned against political violence, hate speech, and the misuse of social media, urging party members and supporters to embrace respectful dialogue in addressing disputes.

On the eve of the primaries, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Moses Kafeero Kabugo, the Zonal Commander for Busoga and Sezibwa regions, addressed security agencies at Kakindu Stadium in Jinja City.

He commended the collaboration between security agencies, NRM registrars, and the public, and affirmed that the Kiira RPC, SSP Nsaba, was “equal to the job” in maintaining order during the polls.

Authorities emphasized that no teargas was used in crowd control throughout the primaries, a move that was welcomed by residents, party officials, and stakeholders.

Security agencies in the Kiira region remain on high alert as preparations continue for the upcoming national elections, with officials promising to maintain the same peaceful atmosphere.