NRM Primaries: Why there was heavy deployment in hotspot districts

As the National Resistance Movement (NRM) held party primaries today to elect parliamentary flagbearers, security forces stepped up deployments. 

Led by the Police, security agencies including the army gave special attention to the 19 districts where violence has been experienced during campaigns. 

(See graphic) 

The Police director of operations, Frank Mwesigwa, told New Vision on Wednesday (July 16) that Police chief Abas Byakagaba, dispatched nine senior officers, at the rank of director, to lead security efforts in nine operational zones across the country. 

“The country has been split into nine security zones. Each is under the command of a senior director to ensure faster decision-making and oversight,” Mwesigwa said, adding that their top priority is to guarantee peaceful voting, especially in areas historically associated with violence. 

They are: Moses Kafeero (Busoga), Stephen Tanui (Northern-Gulu), Patrick Lawot (Karamoja), Paul Nkore (Kyoga-Soroti), Godfrey Maate Bolingo (Central-Masaka), Moses Muluya (Albertine-Hoima), Richard Ecega (Kampala Metropolitan), Hillary Kulaigye (South Western – Mbarara) and Dennis Namuwoza (Rwenzori-Fortportal). 

Mwesigwa warned that perpetrators of violence, including candidates, will face arrest and prosecution. 

“Whether it is a candidate or supporter, we shall arrest and charge anyone who causes disorder,” Mwesigwa emphasised.

Surveillance system set 

Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies rolled out a sophisticated multi-layered surveillance system to reinforce deployments on the ground. 

In addition to hundreds of officers stationed in hotspot districts, the Police also positioned long-range visual cameras to monitor activities in real-time, especially in volatile areas where large crowds are expected to gather.

These cameras, mounted at strategic locations, will allow command centres to track movements and detect potential flare-ups before they escalate, a senior Police officer revealed. 

NRM electoral commission chairperson Dr Tanga Odoi said voting started at 9:00am in Karamoja sub-region and 10:00am in other places. The elections covered over 72,000 villages. 

NRM secretary general Richard Todwong said voting materials were dispatched last night and warned candidates against election malpractices. 

“If you win through wrongdoing, the tribunal can still disqualify you,” he said. 

Deployment welcomed 

The heavy security presence in key districts has not gone unnoticed by locals, many of whom welcomed the move, saying it will deter violence. 

Moses Kituyi, a farmer from Bulambuli district, said: “In the last primaries, candidates hired rowdy youths to intimidate voters. With security on the ground, it gives us confidence to go and vote peacefully.” 

In Iganga district, Ivan Mutesasira said patrols were visible in town by yesterday. 
“Police is everywhere monitoring. Those fond of fighting will fear,” he said.

Mary Namataka from Mbale city, echoed similar sentiments. “We have seen Police patrols in markets and neighbourhoods where campaigns caused tension. It is comforting, because this election has been so heated.” 

In Isingiro district, Joseph Mwebesa said local leaders worked with security to ease tensions. 

RDC, four others detained 

The deployment came in the wake of the Tuesday night violence in Iganga district, where a conflict between supporters of incumbent Woman MP Sauda Alibawo and her challenger, Mariam Seif, left several injured and properties destroyed. 

Police later arrested Iganga assistant resident district commissioner Ronald Mwase, and three others; Sharif Bogere, Ronald Mumbya and Persis Zaridi, for allegedly orchestrating the violence. 

All the four are being held at Iganga Central Police Station. Busoga East Police spokesperson Michael Kafayo confirmed the arrest, saying three vehicles, believed to have transported hooligans, were also impounded.