By State Minister for Lands, Persis Namuganza, has sounded the alarm over rising political violence as the National Resistance Movement (NRM) begins its primary election cycle. Speaking after being nominated to contest for the NRM flag in Bukono County, Namuganza recounted harrowing experiences from the 2021 elections and urged her party to crack down on violent conduct during campaigns.
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“I am a victim because in the previous elections, my people were beaten badly, they were cut, they were tortured,” Namuganza said emotionally, claiming that dozens of her supporters ended up hospitalized after brutal attacks allegedly orchestrated by rival camps. “Many of them cannot speak properly, even now, because of the torture they endured.”
Namuganza pointed fingers at senior party figures, alleging that the violence was sanctioned by top leadership in the district.
Namuganza, who is seeking a return to Parliament, made a strong appeal to fellow aspirants across the country to conduct peaceful campaigns and reject the toxic culture of political violence.
“This is not about life or death. If we don’t succeed today, maybe tomorrow,” she said. “Let’s respect the rule of law. Being in NRM doesn’t mean you can commit crimes and walk away scot-free.”
The minister urged the NRM party to institute stronger disciplinary actions against errant members who incite or participate in violence. She warned that continued leniency could tarnish the party’s reputation and undermine internal democracy.
“People misbehave and still walk around like nothing happened, simply because we are under the sign of the bus,” she remarked, referencing the NRM symbol. “Our party must not be a safe haven for wrongdoers.”
Namuganza also called on Uganda’s security agencies to apply the law equally, including against “big-headed” NRM members, and not just opposition actors. She endorsed the lining-up voting method used in party primaries for its transparency, but noted that even this system hasn’t deterred some from engaging in intimidation.
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Her comments come amid heightened tension in various parts of the country where NRM primaries are expected to be hotly contested, often marred by clashes and vote-related unrest.
As campaigns intensify, Namuganza’s appeal adds to growing calls for the ruling party to guarantee safety, fairness, and legal conduct in the selection of its flag bearers ahead of the 2026 general elections.
