KAMPALA.
The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) electoral commission has issued fresh electoral guidelines to ensure peaceful and orderly campaigns ahead of the internal parliamentary primaries slated for July 16.
Before close of nominations for parliamentary, mayoral, and district chairperson races on June 30, several aspirants had already began traversing their constituencies canvassing for votes .
Speaking to Journalists in Kampala on Tuesday , the NRM commission chairperson, Mr Tanga Odoi, directed all aspirants and their supporters should not carry firearms at campaign venues. All candidates are supposed to conduct joint rallies which are organized and sponsored by the party and no inducement should be given to the voters .
“Any candidate who thinks he is bigger than the party will be called to order. As such, no candidate will be allowed to carry any weapon at the campaign venue.
Those with guns should leave them with their bodyguards,” Mr Oodi said.
This comes in the wake of last week’s chaotic election activities in Sembabule District that left one civilian killed and MP Theodore Ssekikubo injured.
Chaos erupted after soldiers attempted to disperse a political gathering.
The party also warned against the use of abusive language, character assassination, and personal attacks.
Instead, aspirants were urged to focus on issues affecting their constituencies and to promote the party’s ideology.
Voters will only be permitted to ask questions at the end of each session, and only on matters raised by the candidates during their speeches.
NRM Secretary General Richard Todwong earlier announced that joint campaigns are intended to neutralise friction, curb misinformation, and ensure fairness by restricting campaign hours.
Mr Odoi reaffirmed that all candidates must comply with the joint campaign arrangement.
The new measures aim to maintain party unity, discipline, and order during the primary season.
Clashes in Sembabule District
On June 26, a clash erupted between supporters of Ssekikubo and his rival Brig (Rtd) Emmanuel Rwashande, reportedly over loud music.
Soldiers, allegedly backing Brig Rwashande stormed the rally and opened fire, killing Fred Ssembuusi, and injuring Mr Ssekikubo in the finger, and leaving another supporter, one Moses Mwesigye, with a head injury.
The Dos and Don’ts
● No carrying of guns at campaign venues.
● Aspirants must avoid character assassination and use of abusive language.
● Campaigns in Sembabule District remain suspended until the party electoral commission meets all candidates.
● All campaign activities will be fully funded by the party, giving money to any NRM official will be treated as bribery.
● All candidates will campaign at the same venue and at the same time.
● No candidate will be allowed to leave while others are still speaking.
● Voters will ask questions only at the end of the session, and only on issues raised by the candidates.