Heightened security in key hotspots ahead of NRM primaries

Security has been heightened, through more deployment of Police officers and soldiers, in several districts ahead of the Thursday (July 17, 2025) National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries. 

Key hotspots, including the districts of Iganga, Isingiro, Lwemiyaga, Ssembabule and Rukiga are under close watch following recent incidents of election-related violence.

The heightened vigilance follows reports of tensions, clashes among rival camps, and coordinated acts of voter intimidation in parts of the country as the ruling party elects its parliamentary and district chairperson flagbearers.

In Iganga, violence on Tuesday night broke out between supporters of incumbent Woman MP Sauda Alibawo and her rival Mariam Seif left several injured and resulted in arrests.

Police detained the Assistant Resident District Commissioner Ronald Mwase, and three others suspected of orchestrating attacks on local business premises and rival supporters.

Three vehicles allegedly used to transport goons were also impounded.

Locals in Iganga say the increased presence of both uniformed and plainclothes security personnel has created a sense of calm ahead of voting.

In Namutumba, adjacent to Iganga, supporters of Busiki County MP Paul Akamba and challenger Joel Waiswa Azalwa clashed in Bulange sub-county on Sunday, injuring at least eight people.

Seven suspects were arrested and weapons including pangas and sticks were recovered.
Western Uganda is also under scrutiny, with security deployments intensifying in Isingiro, Ssembabule, Lwemiyaga, and Rukiga — all districts where NRM primaries have previously been marred by violence or voter bribery allegations.

In Isingiro, local leaders and security officials have been holding coordination meetings to calm tensions.

In Ssembabule and Lwemiyaga, where political rivalries have run deep for years, extra officers have been dispatched to monitor campaign centers, polling locations, and high-risk areas.

Rukiga, another district flagged for tension, has seen an uptick in political activity, prompting joint efforts between police and local leaders to maintain order.

Police have warned against voter bribery, intimidation, and incitement, stressing that offenders — including candidates — will be arrested.

Over 60 suspects have already been detained countrywide in connection with election-related crimes.

Voting materials will be dispatched to 72,000 villages across the country. Elections are expected to start at 9:00am in Karamoja sub-region and at 10:00am elsewhere.

At a joint press briefing on Monday, Police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma confirmed tactical deployments in volatile areas.

He noted that while the general environment remains calm, “pockets of lawlessness, including goon-hiring, vehicle vandalism, and physical attacks” have already occurred.

“We are in the middle of the electoral process, and incidents have started to emerge. So far, over 60 suspects have been arrested in connection with election-related violence,” Kituuma said.