Police chief Abas Byakagaba delivered a stern message to politicians planning trouble during upcoming National Resistance Movement primary votes. The Inspector General made his position crystal clear during a private security briefing held at Rukungiri District Council Hall on Friday. Political heavyweights from across the district gathered behind closed doors while journalists waited outside. Byakagaba stressed that officers would deploy massive numbers to crush any disturbances during the ruling party contests. Violence-seeking candidates received a blunt warning that arrests would follow without regard for status or connections.
Security Minister Jim Katugugu Muhwezi attended the restricted session alongside former army commander Henry Tumukunde who seeks the Rukungiri Municipality parliamentary seat. Muhwezi campaigns to keep his Rujumbura County position while tensions simmer across the district. Resident District Commissioner Steven Nsubuga Bewayo chaired the gathering where political fears surfaced about potential clashes. Local MP Erisa Ruthahigwa raised alarms about widespread vote buying and candidate intimidation tactics spreading through constituencies. Mary Paula Turyahikayo demanded reinforced police presence given the military backgrounds of competing parliamentary hopefuls.
District officials praised Byakagaba for arriving when political temperatures reached dangerous levels. The commissioner warned politicians that campaign music must stop immediately after designated hours or face forced shutdowns. Electoral guidelines require strict adherence from all candidates seeking party nominations during the internal selection process. Security arrangements need complete neutrality to prevent compromising existing police personnel stationed throughout Rukungiri. Party members received assurances that order would prevail during the democratic exercise.
Security Minister Jim Katugugu Muhwezi attended the restricted session alongside former army commander Henry Tumukunde who seeks the Rukungiri Municipality parliamentary seat. Muhwezi campaigns to keep his Rujumbura County position while tensions simmer across the district. Resident District Commissioner Steven Nsubuga Bewayo chaired the gathering where political fears surfaced about potential clashes. Local MP Erisa Ruthahigwa raised alarms about widespread vote buying and candidate intimidation tactics spreading through constituencies. Mary Paula Turyahikayo demanded reinforced police presence given the military backgrounds of competing parliamentary hopefuls.
District officials praised Byakagaba for arriving when political temperatures reached dangerous levels. The commissioner warned politicians that campaign music must stop immediately after designated hours or face forced shutdowns. Electoral guidelines require strict adherence from all candidates seeking party nominations during the internal selection process. Security arrangements need complete neutrality to prevent compromising existing police personnel stationed throughout Rukungiri. Party members received assurances that order would prevail during the democratic exercise.
