Kampala, Uganda: The Uganda Police Force (UPF) has announced a ban on crowds and goons at tally centres during the ongoing NRM primaries for Member of Parliament and LC 5 Chairperson positions, warning that security agencies will enforce strict access controls to ensure order and transparency.
Addressing journalists at Police Headquarters in Naguru on Monday, Police Spokesperson ACP Kituuma Rusoke said that while the overall electoral environment remains largely calm, isolated incidents of violence, vandalism, and hooliganism have been recorded in various parts of the country.
Kituuma cited acts including the hiring of goons, waylaying of rival parties, vandalism of vehicles, and sectarian provocations via radio, alongside the use of public address systems to disrupt rallies. He emphasized that only authorized agents of candidates will be allowed access to tally centres.
“We will not tolerate crowds at tally centres, nor will firearms be allowed within these centres. Candidates are permitted a specific number of agents at tally centres, and anyone attempting to bring unauthorized individuals or goons will be denied entry,” Kituuma said.
Kituuma revealed that security agencies had mapped out electoral hotspots and that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) had conducted on-ground assessments in Sembabule, Mbarara, Isingiro, Kabale, Rukiga, and Rukungiri, engaging with candidates, district security committees, and other political actors involved in the NRM primaries.
“District security committees are actively working to promote harmony and maintain order,” Kituuma said, adding that in some areas, crowds had been dispersed and arrests made where necessary. He, however, noted that several areas had experienced total peace and civility throughout the campaigns.
No Crowds or Firearms at Tally Centres
With voting for the primaries imminent on Thursday July 17, Kituuma stressed that security agencies will not tolerate unauthorized gatherings or the presence of firearms at tally centres. Only duly accredited candidates and their specified agents will be allowed access.
“Anyone attempting to bring unauthorized individuals or goons will be denied entry,” Kituuma warned.
He also reminded political actors that campaigning officially ended today and that police, alongside other security agencies, remain fully committed to safeguarding the integrity and peaceful conduct of the electoral process.
Kituuma urged all political actors and citizens to uphold peace, respect electoral laws, and adhere strictly to guidelines issued by both the Electoral Commission and political parties. “As police, we continue to work closely with other security agencies to safeguard the integrity and peaceful conduct of the election process,” he said.
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