EDITOR
Residents in Rukungiri District have cited security intervention and bribery as the main causes of violence in the recently concluded NRM primaries.
In a survey conducted by our reporter aimed at verifying the just-concluded NRM primaries in Rukungiri District and the country at large, residents described the exercise as a political battlefield won by those with financial muscle and connections in the ruling government.
According to the residents, the exercise was characterized by widespread violence caused by security personnel and supporters of candidates in power, intimidation, bribery, and arrests—raising questions about whether it was a family election, as claimed by some NRM officials.
Speaking to our reporter, Getrude Bakanyonya, a resident of Katenga Cell, Rwakabengo Ward, Southern Division in Rukungiri Municipality, and an aspiring woman councilor for Southern and Eastern Divisions, stressed that the NRM primaries witnessed a lot of violence, voter bribery, and security intervention.
Moreover, Bakanyonya encouraged the government to take immediate action and revise the electoral system—especially the security department, which, according to her, has become a major cause of violence due to its intervention in favor of some candidates.
Peter Kesi, a resident of Rweshekye Cell, Buyanja Sub-county, Rukungiri District, also expressed his disappointment with the recently concluded primary elections, describing them as unfair.
Kesi emphasized that election officials favored certain candidates, citing an incident at the Rukungiri District Conference Hall, which served as the tally center, where a video circulated on social media showing police pushing out one of the candidates.
According to Kesi, some candidates with financial muscle and government connections not only bribed voters but also bribed electoral commission officials in the district to declare them winners.
In conclusion, the NRM primaries took place on 17th July 2025 across the country, aiming to choose flag bearers for the party at the constituency level ahead of the upcoming general elections.
