NRM elects parliamentary flag bearers amid police deployment

The NRM and the police said yesterday party primary elections set for today across the region will be peaceful and sounded a warning to those who plan to indulge in violence.

The exercise, which will see the election of NRM local council and parliamentary flag bearers, will not disrupt the ongoing voter register display exercise, officials said yesterday. The Mbarara District EC returning officer, Mr Dan Ruhemba, told Daily Monitor that the events will run concurrently.

According to Police Spokesperson south western region, Ms Polly Namaye, the force is ready to ensure security during today’s elections. She said an office of crime intelligence was formed to work with the Electoral Commission to ensure that the two events go on peacefully.
“We are prepared. We have been watching the trends and our men will work hand in hand with the Electoral Commission to ensure peaceful and fair elections,” said Ms Namaye.
The south western regional police commander, Ms Olivia Wawiire, said yesterday that they do not expect violence in the region but added they have deployed police officers to monitor the exercise. “We have the motorised and foot patrols across the region,” she said.

Some of the areas where the police have deployed include, Bufumbira East, where Mr Eddie Kwizera Wagahungu, a former presidential adviser is battling Ethics and Integrity Minister Nsaba Buturo. In Kinkizi East, Kenneth Kakura is running against incumbent Dr Chris Baryomunsi. Other areas where the contest is likely to be heated are Isingiro North where minister Bright Rwamirama is tussling with Dr Posiano Mugyenyi. In Kashari, Minister Urban Tibamanya is facing the district chairman Wilberforce Yaguma.

In Igara East State Minister for Trade, Richard Nduhura is battling four other opponents, while in Rukungiri, public service minister Sezi Mbagutta, is contesting against incumbent Winfred Matsiko. Rukungiri district has had a relatively peaceful end of the open campaigns.
In Rubabo County, the race remains between Ms Paula Turwahikayo and David Ndibiriza.

Meanwhile in Kabale, the former head of discipline in president’s office, Lt. Muhamed Bahati Kabahena, a founder member and the head of the legal department of Uganda Federal Alliance, has defected to the NRM party, arguing that the original plan has been diluted.

Defection
Lt. Kabahane announced his defection to the NRM party at joint rallies at Kamwezi and Bukinda sub-counties where he campaigned for Minister Hope Mwesigye, now facing two opponents for the Kabale Woman parliamentary seat.

In Bushenyi, different NRM candidates have joined forces against district party chairman, Hassan Bassajjabalaba for allegedly convening meetings with some supporters and telling them who they should vote for.
Daily Monitor could not readily get Bassajjabalaba on phone as it was switched off all day.

Reported by Paul Aruho, Brenda A. Kashaki, Robert Muhereza, Patience Ahimbisibwe, Frankfurt Kuheisa, Rajab Mukombozi, Kadahweza Kamugisha

SEMBABULE: Crackdown on illegal guns

The Inspector General of Police, Maj. Gen. Kale Kayihura has announced a crackdown on illegal use of fire arms by private individuals in Sembabule District.

Maj. Gen. Kayihura warned that security agencies have started checking people’s homes to find out those who are in possession of illegal fire arms. He said they will use the Fire Arms Act to ensure that those found in possession of illegal guns are punished.

The operation follows complains by the district chairman, Mr Herman Sentongo, who said over 50 individuals acquired guns illegally. Mr Sentongo says some top NRM cadres have been using guns to terrorise residents who are not in support of the NRM party and many have been deprived of their right to vote. Mr Sentongo added that some cattle keepers who possess guns hire them out to politicians to intimidate those considered ‘dilute’ party members.

Sembabule is a NRM strong hold with about 80 per cent of residents subscribing to the ruling party. The NRM leaders are divided into group B comprising ‘staunch’ NRM members, headed by Foreign Affairs minister Sam Kutesa and group A headed by Lwemiyaga MP Theodore Sekikubo.

Report by Issa Aliga