NRM primaries: Kiira politicians, supporters warned against violence, drug abuse

JINJA - Joint security forces in the Kiira Police region have sternly warned all political candidates and their supporters against engaging in violence and the use of addictive substances during the ongoing National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries.

The warning was issued on Friday, July 11, 2025, during a Joint security briefing chaired by Resident City Commissioner Richard Gulume at the Jinja City Hall.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the Uganda Police Force, Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and other intelligence units.

The joint security chiefs discussed at length the joint tactical deployment plan, where the Joint Intelligence Committee (JIC) also highlighted strengthening its operations to prevent crimes by conducting intelligence-led operations.

No drugs or violence

Kiira region Police commander (RPC) Charles Nsaba said joint security had received intelligence reports indicating that some aspiring politicians were mobilising youth using drugs and alcohol (Egali) to incite violence and cause chaos during rallies and political meetings.

“We have observed growing cases of early political tension, where candidates are using drugs, alcohol and other addictive substances to influence and mislead youth into acts of violence. We shall not allow this to continue,” Nsaba said.

He warned that any candidate or supporter caught distributing or using narcotic substances, including marijuana and alcohol as a mobilisation tool, would be arrested and prosecuted under the relevant laws.

“No one is above the law. We are committed to ensuring a peaceful electoral environment. Politicians must stop turning youths into tools of violence,” he added.

He stated that violence has many manifestations like property damage, physical violence, online harassment and intimidation, lowers voter turnout and participation, which leads to undermining the constitutional rights of Ugandans with the right to vote and be voted for.

He advised politicians to resort to non-violent means of resolving potential security threats, for instance use of respectful, continuous communication and dialogue.

Busoga region cantonment commander Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Kanyesigye reaffirmed his support and commitment to providing reinforcement of enough soldiers to ensure public safety and security during the electoral processes.

Kanyesigye re-echoed the Police’s concerns and called on candidates to promote peace and discipline in their campaigns.

"We are ready to live, work and sacrifice for Uganda at all times. Ugandans want to vote in a peaceful environment. We are watching closely. Any person inciting violence, whether physically or through intoxicants, will face the full force of the law,” Kanyesigye said.

Campaign posters of Igeme and Mbazira in Walukuba masese in Jinja city. (Credit: Doreen Musingo)

Call for sensitisation

The joint security team also reminded political parties to educate their candidates and supporters on the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of issue-based campaigning.

Gulume assured the public that city and district security committees (CSC & DSC) will hold regular meetings with all the NRM candidates to ensure promotion of peaceful conduct during campaigns and elections is adhered to.

“NRM has remained vibrant and relevant to people in the region and Africa because of its four strategic NRM pillars of patriotism, pan Africanism, socioeconomic transformation and democracy, which are directed to creating no space for perpetrating violence,” Gulume remarked.

Jinja Central Police Station commander David Kamugira said they are ready to protect people, properties, businesses and all infrastructures.

Kiira region Police spokesperson James Mubi said the next joint security meeting will take place on Wednesday, July 16, on the eve of NRM primaries.

Joint campaigns fail

Earlier, the Joint NRM rally campaigns failed to kick off in Jinja city
Efforts to hold joint campaign rallies for National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag-bearers of Jinja South East constituency ahead of the 2026 general elections hit a snag as internal misunderstandings and logistical setbacks forced candidates to start their campaigns independently.

The campaigns, which were expected to showcase unity and party cohesion, failed to take off as planned, leaving NRM voters taking up the mantle to attend to campaigns organised by only aspiring candidates.

“The rallies were expected to bring together all NRM contenders under one platform to showcase party unity and mobilise grassroots support ahead of the internal elections, but failed to kick off as scheduled,” said Wycliffe George Kirya, the Jinja city NRM registrar.

Kirya explained that candidates have been allowed to hold meetings with their electorate because they have to look for votes.

He said as a result, Jinja South East Constituency, which has only two NRM candidates, namely Nathan Samson Igeme Nabeta the incumbent and Richard Mbazira who has been the councilor for Jinja south East at Jinja city level have started their individual campaign trails in parishes and villages where they are competing for crowds and resources.

It's remembered that since Igeme joined active politics in February 2011 general elections as MP for Jinja East, Richard Mbazira has always been his campaign manager.