The National Resistance Movement (NRM) Electoral Commission halted all campaign activities in Isingiro South and Kalaki constituencies due to escalating violence, intimidation, and disorder, raising concerns about the integrity of the party’s internal electoral process.
NRM Electoral Commission suspended campaign activities in Isingiro South and Kalaki constituencies following incidents of violence, intimidation, and a general breakdown of order among parliamentary candidates and their supporters.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi said the situation in Isingiro South had deteriorated beyond acceptable limits, with reports of physical confrontations resulting in injuries and bloodshed.
“All parliamentary candidates from Isingiro South have been summoned to a crisis meeting scheduled for Wednesday,” Dr. Tanga stated, adding that campaigns will remain suspended until calm is restored and a clear path forward is determined.
A similar meeting is scheduled in Kalaki District on Wednesday, July 9, at 10:00 AM, following a surge of complaints and tension among candidates. According to the commission, the volatile environment risks compromising the credibility of the party’s primary elections if left unaddressed.
Dr. Tanga also cited worrying developments in Bwamba County, where an MP candidate reportedly suffered a verbal attack that resulted in health complications. The candidate is currently admitted at Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi. Meanwhile, Mbale is under close watch due to multiple reports of misconduct that may lead to suspension of campaigns there as well, pending investigations.
Isingiro South, one of the epicenters of the unrest, features four candidates in the race: Byarugaba Rudoviko, Mugabe Gilbert Rwabambari, incumbent MP Byarugaba Alex Bakunda, and Mujuni Maari Asensio. All have been summoned by the commission.
In Kalaki County, the list of summoned parliamentary candidates includes David Omara, Samuel Okello, Arwei Isaac Okello, and Ongalo Obote Clement Kenneth. For the District Woman MP seat, the summoned candidates are Asio Jane, Rose Alejo, Ajilo Maria Gorretti Elogu, Angella Apako, Monica Asako, and Ayoo Jennifer Nalukwago.
Despite the unrest in some constituencies, Dr. Tanga described the just-concluded nomination process as largely successful, with 291 candidates nominated for Central Executive Committee (CEC) and national league positions.
The commission has also begun a review of all NRM registrars across the country. Thirteen have already applied for retirement, mostly due to age and health issues. Dr. Tanga cautioned political figures against meddling in the recruitment process, warning that no external recommendations would be considered.
He also revealed that final voters’ registers for the primaries will be sent directly to villages, without public display, due to rising incidents of illegal name additions in areas such as Rubanda and parts of Eastern Uganda.
Campaigns for MP seats will continue in unaffected regions until July 14, 2025, with voting scheduled for July 17. The LC5 chairperson campaigns will take place on July 22, and elections will be held on July 24.
The NRM National Delegates Conference is set to take place from August 22 to August 25 at Namboole Stadium, drawing 24,000 delegates from across the country. As the ruling party navigates this tense pre-election season, the decisions made in the coming days will be crucial in maintaining order and trust in the NRM’s internal democratic processes.
