Soroti, Uganda | The Soroti Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Paul Eseru, has issued a red alert to all National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidates, warning against acts of violence, intimidation, and violation of electoral guidelines as the second week of campaigns for the NRM primaries begins.
In a statement released over the weekend, Eseru commended candidates for the generally peaceful conduct during the first week of campaigns.
However, he raised concern over a number of incidents that, if repeated or allowed to escalate, could destabilize the political atmosphere in the district.
He emphasized that the Soroti District Security Committee would not tolerate any breach of electoral rules and that security agencies are fully prepared to act decisively where necessary.
Eseru underscored that campaign programs must be harmonized with the Office of the District Registrar.
He noted that parallel and conflicting movements had already led to tensions in certain areas and warned that failure to coordinate could lead to fatal confrontations.
He made it clear that any candidate found to be complicit in such scheduling clashes would face severe consequences.
He also instructed candidates to strictly adhere to the NRM Electoral Commission’s official campaign timetable.
Campaign events conducted outside approved hours particularly those held early in the morning or late at night are now prohibited.
Eseru explained that these restrictions are intended to enhance security oversight and prevent night-time rallies where tensions are more likely to flare and monitoring is difficult.
The RDC reiterated his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on violence, intimidation, and harassment.
He revealed that security agencies were already profiling individuals suspected of planning or inciting such activities.
He warned that those involved, whether candidates, agents, or supporters, would be treated as security threats and prosecuted accordingly, regardless of their political affiliations.
Eseru also voiced concern over the rising trend of mobilizing youth groups for intimidation. Reports from some sub-counties had indicated incidents of stone-throwing, road blockades, and direct confrontations between rival camps.
He stated that any groups engaging in such activities would be immediately disbanded and those behind them held accountable.
He urged all candidates to avoid hate speech, tribal remarks, and any language intended to divide communities.
He stated that such rhetoric would be met with firm political and legal consequences, adding that campaigns must remain respectful, issue-based, and peaceful.
To keep the electoral process under control, Eseru disclosed that all campaign activities across the district were being closely monitored by both uniformed and plainclothes security operatives.
He cautioned that no one should act with impunity, adding that those caught violating the law would be dealt with individually and decisively.
In his conclusion, the RDC assured residents of the Soroti District Security Committee’s commitment to peaceful, lawful, and orderly primaries.
He warned that any candidate or campaign team attempting to destabilize the process would face the full force of the law without fear or political compromise.
He called on all aspirants and their supporters to conduct themselves with dignity and discipline as the campaigns progress.
The warning comes at a time when political activity is intensifying across Soroti District, with high-stakes contests drawing large crowds and fierce competition for NRM party tickets.
Security agencies have continued to emphasize the importance of coordination, calm, and rule of law to avoid the violent clashes that have marred previous election seasons in the Teso sub-region.