Gulu: Chaotic scenes in Bar-Dege-Layibi as Otim and MP Mapenduzi camps clash

One of the candidates, identified as Robinson Oryema was picked by security on allegations of inciting violence during the NRM Party Primary elections for the NRM parliamentary seat in Bar-dege-Layibi Division in Gulu City.

Concy Zaitun, the NRM Commissioner in Acholi who intervened after the election process became chaotic, warned the candidates against inciting their supporters into violence. (Photo by Dennis Ojwee)
By Dennis Ojwee
Journalists @New Vision
#NRM #Primary elections #Gulu

________________

Chaos erupted at 10:00 AM on Thursday, temporarily disrupting the NRM primary elections at Green Valley Cells, polling station at Kaunda Liberations Grounds.

One of the candidates, identified as Robinson Oryema was picked by security on allegations of inciting violence during the NRM Party Primary elections for the NRM parliamentary seat in Bar-dege-Layibi Division in Gulu City.

Security personnel involving the Police, Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces and the office of the Gulu City Resident Commissioner, intervened after the election process had stalled for nearly two hours.

The situation remained tense as security battled with supporters of Bosmic Otim using tear-gas after they refused to vacate the compounds of the Bar-dege NRM offices near Kaunda Liberation Ground.

Concy Zaitun, the NRM Commissioner in Acholi who intervened after the election process became chaotic, warned the candidates against inciting their supporters into violence.

“Anyone who tries to cause chaos in the electoral process shall be arrested by security. We need to have a peaceful election as the NRM. We shall be as transparent as possible,” said Zaitun.

By press time, after 5:00 PM the results entered into the system from the tally centre in the NRM offices within Bar-dege/Layibi Division. 

Reports from the tally centre indicated that Otim and Mapenduzi were "|neck to neck".

There are 78 polling stations within the Bar-dege/Layibi division compared to 50 within the Laroo-Pece Division.

Meanwhile, the electoral process within Laroo-Pece went on smoothly without serious incidents reported.