Muntu, Mao warn army over Amuru by-election

DP president Norbert Mao

AMURU

The Forum for Democratic Change party president, Maj Gen Muntu Mugisha, and his Democratic Party counterpart, Mr Norbert Mao, have warned security forces against intimidating voters in Amuru District during the campaigns for the woman parliamentary seat by-election slated for November 19.

Their warning followed an incident on Monday in Atiak Trading Centre where four armed policemen tried to block the Opposition rally on account that it was past official election campaign time.

“We know the army might be used in threatening the locals, and in vote rigging. In case of any intimidation, please call me so that a case is built against such individual in case they try to interfere with the electoral process through intimidation,” Mr Mao told voters at the rally.

He warned that any security operative who attempts to force people to vote the NRM candidate against their will would be taken to court.

The army’s 4th Division Spokesperson, Capt Mark Mutono, said the UPDF has no intention of interfering with the by-election. He said soldiers currently deployed in Amuru are there only to keep peace. He said the army would only intervene on the invitation of the police if need arose.

He said soldiers who registered at polling stations in Amuru would be allowed to vote but would not carry weapons or wear uniforms as they cast their votes.

Mr Jimmy Patrick Okema, the Aswa Region police spokesperson, said police had already developed a deployment plan to ensure peace during the election time.