Police have said that the campaigns for the NRM primaries were "generally calm", despite isolated incidents of violence involving various political actors and camps.
Police Public Relations Officer ACP Kituuma Rusoke confirmed that the campaigns for Member of Parliament and LC 5 Chairperson have officially ended. Voting will take place on Thursday, July 17.
However, he noted that individuals had been arrested for breaking the set guidelines.
"While the political parties and the Electoral Commission have issued clear guidelines, and the relevant laws are in place, the conduct of some candidates, aspirants, and their agents at times deviates from these regulations. We have observed rising tensions manifesting in violent attacks, the hiring of goons, vandalism of vehicles, waylaying of rival parties, and the use of radio platforms to defame opponents through malicious allegations and sectarian innuendos," he said while speaking to the media today.
"Additionally, disruptive behaviours such as deploying noisy public address systems to interrupt rallies have been reported."
Police have also mapped out electoral hotspots and engaged political actors and other stakeholders extensively. The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has conducted physical visits and assessments in districts including Sembabule, Mbarara, Isingiro, Kabale, Rukiga, and Rukungiri, meeting with political actors, district security committees, and candidates involved in the NRM primaries.
"District security committees are actively working to promote harmony and maintain order," he said.
On voting day, according to police, candidates will be permitted a specific number of agents at tally centres, and anyone attempting to bring unauthorized individuals or goons will be denied entry.
