Security heads in Busoga sub-region have taken measures to ensure peace as Uganda prepares for polls on January 15. In anticipation of election-related violence, they have identified hot spots and are employing strategies to maintain peace.
Kaliro Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mr Enock Wandera, disclosed that two sub-counties in Bulamogi North West constituency have been blacklisted, prompting focused efforts to prevent potential violence.
“In Kaliro, we have blacklisted two sub-counties in Bulamogi North West constituency, represented by Minister Fredrick Ngobi Gume (Independent) and Mr Patrick Kasajja (NRM), so security forces have focused efforts on preventing potential violence ahead of the elections,” Mr Wandera said.
To curb violence, methods such as reconciliation and arrests are being used. Mr. Wandera explained that stakeholders, including commanders of groups threatening violence, are being engaged in community meetings to discuss peaceful ways of handling grievances. “Stakeholders, including commanders of groups threatening violence, are being engaged in community meetings to discuss peaceful ways of handling grievances, noting that they are permanent residents while elections are only seasonal,” he said.
Namayingo RDC, Ms. Eva Nalongo Kwesiga, expressed hope that peace will be maintained, crediting the integration of ‘Ghetto boys’ into the NRM system for keeping Namayingo peaceful during campaigns. “‘Ghetto boys’ were the main sources of unrest during previous campaigns, but they are now working alongside security personnel to strengthen safety and order,” Ms. Kwesiga said.
Bugiri RDC, Mr. Paul Kalikwani Makakanyara, highlighted two tactics: no provocation and transparency by polling officials. “My security committee advises security operatives not to provoke civilians, and reminds civilians to refrain from insulting them, as we have found such behavior to be a threat to peace,” he said. He also emphasized the importance of transparency, instructing election officers to declare the candidate with the highest number of votes as the winner.
Jinja City Resident Commissioner, Mr. Richard Gulume, said leaders are being engaged to preach peace in their communities.
“We have met church leaders, market vendors, and boda boda leaders to equip them with messages of peace as we go into the elections,” he said, expressing satisfaction that this approach is yielding results, with no major incidents of chaos recorded in the city since the start of campaigns.
Busoga East Police spokesperson, Mr Michael Kasadha, announced that sufficient security personnel have been deployed.
“As police, we have increased our numbers, reinforced by other security agencies, so there is no cause for alarm regarding peace in my region,” he said, warning that there will be no confrontation between security personnel and civilians unless people break the law.
Mr Kasadha warned that arrests will be made against any group attempting to disturb the peace during or after the elections.