Police warn candidates against overcrowding tally centres

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Police will not allow voters in the ongoing NRM elections to overcrowd tally centres, citing threats of disruption of electoral processes.

On Wednesday, CP Hilary Kulayige, Uganda Police Deputy Chief Political Commissar, explained that at respective meetings with candidates, stakeholders agreed to have the agents and a few supporters at places where tallying takes place.

He advised voters to go back to their homes after voting for their candidates. He also warned that police will arrest all aspirants involved in the practice.

Kulayige issued the warning on Wednesday while addressing journalists at the Rwizi Region office. Kulayige is the overseer of three regions in the ongoing NRM elections: Ankole, Kigezi and Greater Bushenyi.

Kulayige revealed that investigations are on into reports of voter bribery.

“All those involved in bad practices will be arrested. We already have some in police custody, and we have information leading us to others; they will also be arrested. We want a peaceful voting exercise not only in this region but in the country,” he said.

Voting exercise for NRM parliamentary flag bearers kicks off Thursday mid-morning throughout the country.

Meanwhile, police advised journalists covering NRM elections to always carry their identity cards and their press jackets for easy identification.

Alfred Bangambaki, RPC, Rwizi region, urged commanders not to focus on securing these primary elections without segregating any candidate and delivering a successful election.

Elsewhere in Kisoro district, a joint operation by the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces arrested some people cited in inciting supporters of Sam Bitangaro and Lex Seruganda's camps.

The incident occurred at Nyaruhuri as the groups headed to Nyakabingo Primary School in Chahafi sub-county, Bufumbira South, Kisoro district.

Maj. Kiconco Tabaro, the UPDF second Infantry Division Public Information Officer, said that as security agencies, they strongly condemn any form of violence during primary elections or related political activities.

“Acts of hooliganism and criminal behaviours have no place in our society and will not be tolerated,” Tabaro warned.

He said the security situation in the area of responsibility has remained stable. Tabaro reported that all borders with neighbouring countries are calm.