Police names violence-prone areas ahead of polls

By Simon Masaba

The Police have named four violence-prone regions ahead of the 2016 general elections, as presidential candidates start campaigns today in different parts of the country.

The Police said the Teso region and the districts of Luwero, Ssembabule, Isingiro and Mbarara have demonstrated criminal acts before campaigns, prompting massive deployment in the areas compared to other regions.

The deputy Police spokesperson, Polly Namaye, said security (Police) has information about rival supporters in these hot spots planning attacks on each other.

“In Teso during the National Resistance Movement primaries, rival camps attacked each other injuring scores. In Mbarara, they demonstrated by burning car tyres and destroying property,” Namaye said during a phone interview with New Vision Sunday.

She said the Police arrested suspects and had them charged in various courts for elections-related crimes, cautioning that some of these criminal groups (supporters) are still at large.

However, she also requested candidates to work hand-inhand with the Police to thwart any criminal acts during rallies.

The Police’s head of electoral and political offences, Susan Kasingye, said election criminal acts are caused by
voter bribery and use of hate speeches. She added that 27 mobile Police teams were dispatched countrywide to monitor
the elections.

They include operatives from internal and external security organisations, Uganda People’s Defence
Forces (UPDF) and the Directorate of Citizenship and Immigration Control “We encourage the public to call the Police elections toll free number 0800100912, to report any malpractices and violence, since campaigns have just started,” she said.

The UPDF spokesperson Paddy Ankunda, said they (UPDF) will be on standby to help the Police if they request for any assistance. “It is the job of the Police to keep security during elections,” he said.

Last month, Police chief Gen. Kale Kayihura, said there will be massive deployment countrywide to thwart any
organised violent groups during the campaigns period.