NRM cautions its members against electoral violence

ELECTION WATCH | NRM

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) members have been asked to restrain themselves from being provoked into violence in the face of all kinds of provocations.

"Whether it is form of intimidation or actual violence from your competitors, don't get violent," advises the Party's Secretary General, Justine Kasule Lumumba.

In her statement, as a brief to the NRM members on the roll out of village-based campaigns, Kasule says, "There has been an attempt by supporters of some sister parties and criminal elements within the Ugandan society, to intimidate supports and members of the NRM. This is not only illegal and unlawful, but it is a recipe for chaos."

She adds, "The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda 1995 (as amended) under Chapter 4 thereof, guarantees fundamental human rights and other freedoms that all Ugandans should freely enjoy."

"However, the same Constitution also imposes a responsibility on Ugandans not to enjoy these rights and freedoms at the expense of the rights and freedoms of other Ugandans," she explained.

Kasule says, "These rioters, under the pretext of protesting the alleged abuse of the fundamental rights and other freedoms of the said two presidential candidates, interfered with the rights and freedoms of other Ugandans when they took to rioting in which streets were barricaded and tyres lit; property of innocent Ugandans looted, and the NRM supporters being indecently assaulted and beaten up; (amongst several other ills)­--all clearly interrupting other Ugandans peace and quiet of the rest of Ugandans."

Kasule says, "I appeal to you as leaders of the mass political organization; to resist the temptation to resort to violence in the face of all provocation whether in the form of intimidation or actual violence from our competitors."

"Please utilize as much as can be practically possible, the presence of police posts and stations to report every such cases of such intimidation and violence. Additionally, I call upon all of you to cooperate with the police and other security personnel to ensure everybody is safe and secure," she adds.

"I have already informed you about the NRM Secretariat Call Centre. Please reach out for immediate help in case police assistance and cooperation is not forthcoming."