Bishop condemns NRM primaries violence

RELIGION|POLITICS|ELECTIONS|VIOLENCE 

LIRA - The Bishop of Lira diocese, Rt.Rev. Sanctus Lino Wanok has condemned the violence that erupted at some National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries.

Since September 4, 2020, acts of violence, voter intimidation and hooliganism have marred NRM primary elections, causing the suspension in some areas.

Most hit areas included Mbale, Sembabule, Jinja, Katakwi and Ntungamo districts.

"I wonder what triggers bitterness between brothers of the same political camp yet the country's motto is for God and My Country," he wondered.

He made the remarks while presiding over a mass where he called on electorates and politicians to keep peace and harmony during elections.

The reverend referred to the Ntungamo district incident, where one politician pulled out a gun and allegedly shot at his opponents within the same political party.

The state minister for labour, Mwesigwa Rukutana is facing charges of attempted murder, assault, threatening violence, and malicious damage of property following the incident.

It is alleged that Rukutana shot at Dan Rweiburingi, the former Rushenyi County aspirant on the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) ticket. During the elections, Rweiburingi was a key supporter of Naomi Kabasharira, Rukutana's opponent.

However, Rukutana claims he nor his guards fired bullets during the fracas that happened in Ntungamo after NRM primaries.

The Bishop preached love and unity among politicians and voters, wondering why people embrace violence and hatred amongst themselves.

"Do not let political parties separate you but champion for brotherhood amongst yourselves because you are from the same country," he appealed.

The Bishop also called on religious leaders to take up the mantle of bringing sanity in the country.

He urged voters not to depend on material gains but focus on the qualities of a good leader.

NRM primaries status

The party has participated in primaries since September 4, 2020, starting with parliamentary candidates and later, choosing candidates for Special Interest Groups representatives at Local Government Level.