The Inspector General of Police Abasi Byakagaba has strongly warned political players who are bent on creating tension resulting into violence in next week National Resistance Movement primary elections that the Police is ready to deal with them accordingly.
IGP Byakagaba made the warning on Friday July 11th 2025 while addressing journalists after addressing a closed door security meeting that was held at Rukungiri District Council Hall which was attended by a cross section political leaders from Rukungiri District.
Byakagaba explained that elections is an exercise where Ugandans exercise their civic power to choose leaders of their choice and in this case the ruling party, the National Resistance Movement is holding in-house elections which do not warrant violence.
The Inspector General of Police however said that the Police will not sit when people are fighting and will deploy heavily to counter any violence that may come up at any time and will arrest any one propelling such acts without fear or favor.
He warned political players to abide by the NRM Electoral Commission guidelines and stop provocations if the election exercise is to be free and fair.
The meeting which was chaired by Rukungiri Resident District Commissioner Steven Nsubuga Bewayo was also addressed by the Minister for Security Maj Gen Jim Katugugu Muhwezi who is campaigning to retain the NRM flag for Rujumbura County and was attended by Lt Gen Henry Tumukunde who is contesting to capture Rukungiri District Municipality seat.
Before the meeting started journalists were asked to keep outside the meeting hall since it was a closed meeting and most of the deliberations were not captured by the media.
However, Minister Jim Muhwezi told journalists after the meeting that the interaction was cordial and members who expressed fears that there could be violence were assured by the Inspector General of Police that the situation will be be under control.
Rukungiri Municipality Member of Parliament Hon Dr Erisa Rutahigwa who attended the meeting, however expressed concern that there is a lot of intimidation and bribery being orchestrated by some candidates he did not name and feared that such acts may escalate into violence.
Hon Mary Paula Turyahikayo who also attended the meeting, said that there was need for reinforcing the Police Personnel in Rukungiri given the fact that there were two former Army Generals who are contesting to become members of Parliament though in different constituencies.
Hon Turyahikayo said that a neutral security arrangement should be put in place to ensure that the current Police Personnel in Rukungiri District is not compromised.
Rukungiri Resident District Commissioner Nsubuga Bewayo hailed the Inspector General of Police for visiting the district when he was most needed and has been able to assess the situation after listening from various speakers and assured that no acts of violence will he entertained.
RDC Nsubuga Bewayo however cautioned the political players to abide the electoral laws and still to the guidelines in order for the concerned District security officials to provide adequate protection. He however warned political players to stop their public music immediately after the campaign hours or else face forceful closure at their own embarrassment.
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