14 bouncers, Police say hired to disrupt NRM primaries, detained in Dokolo

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DOKOLO – Police have arrested 14 men it has described as bouncers (musclemen), masquerading as security operatives and vote protectors, allegedly hired to cause chaos ahead of the upcoming National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primary elections.

North Kyoga regional Police spokesperson Patrick Jimmy Okema says the suspects were intercepted during an intelligence-led operation on Wednesday night at about 9:30pm. The group was travelling in a taxi drone, registration number UBP 983P, when Police stopped them at Rego-Rego, along the Lira–Dokolo highway.

“They were hired from Lira city and are believed to have been contracted by one of the contestants for the Dokolo South parliamentary seat,” said Okema in a statement issued Thursday morning.

Although the exact motive is still under investigation, preliminary findings suggest the men were recruited to incite violence during the party primaries. The suspects are currently detained at Dokolo Central Police Station, where the vehicle has also been impounded.

“We would like to issue a strong warning to those referring to themselves as ‘bouncers’ to stay away from security-related activities. The Constitution does not recognise such groups, and their operations are therefore illegal,” Okema stated.

Police say further details will be provided as investigations progress.