KAMPALA, July 12 — Uganda’s Inspector General of Police Abbas Byakagaba has warned against violence ahead of next week’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries to select parliamentary and local council candidates for the 2026 elections. In a statement issued Saturday in Kampala, Byakagaba said police would not tolerate election-related violence, political insecurity or chaos, and would take firm action against politicians and supporters involved in clashes. Local media have reported incidents of violence between rival party supporters, including a fatal shooting two weeks ago in the central district of Sembabule. Similar clashes have also been reported in the Mubende, Kabarole, Rukungiri and Katakwi districts. Byakagaba urged politicians and party supporters to adhere to the NRM Electoral Commission guidelines and avoid provocations to ensure the elections are free and fair. “This is an internal election that should not cause alarm. Elections allow Ugandans to perform and exercise their civic power of choosing leaders of their choice, which does not warrant violence,” Byakagaba said. He added that the police would deploy heavily to prevent any possible violence. According to the national Electoral Commission, nominations for parliamentary and presidential candidates will take place between Sept. 17 and Oct. 3. Campaigns are scheduled to begin in the second week of October, with presidential and parliamentary elections set for Jan. 12 next year.
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