Soroti Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Paul Eseru has sounded a stern warning to all National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidates campaigning in Soroti District, issuing what he described as a “Red Alert” against violence, intimidation, and breach of electoral regulations.
As the second week of campaigns for the forthcoming NRM primaries gets underway, the RDC praised the candidates for conducting largely peaceful campaigns during the first week but cautioned that security agencies had noted worrying incidents that, if left unchecked, could escalate into serious violence.
In a strongly worded statement released over the weekend, Eseru reminded all candidates, their agents, and supporters that the Soroti District Security Committee would tolerate no breach of the rules, and warned that law enforcement was fully prepared to act decisively.
“This office wishes to thank all candidates who conducted peaceful campaigns and rallies during the first week. This was surely commendable,” the RDC noted.
“However, we noted serious incidents that we wish to warn you about to avoid repeat and escalation of the same.
Chief among the directives issued is a strict requirement for all candidates to harmonize their campaign programs with the Office of the District Registrar.
Eseru noted that parallel campaign movements had already led to tensions in some areas and that violent confrontations could become “fatal or deadly” if such scheduling conflicts were not avoided.
“Any collusion as a result of failure to harmonize the campaign program will attract severe ramifications,” he warned.
Candidates were instructed to coordinate their rallies and processions in advance to prevent clashes between rival camps.
The RDC also imposed strict adherence to the NRM Electoral Commission’s official timetable.
Campaign events outside the approved hours, particularly early-morning or late-night rallies, were expressly banned.
“Campaigns beyond the allocated time are hereby prohibited,” he said. “Please desist from such.”
This measure is intended to avoid opportunistic night rallies where security monitoring is more difficult and tensions can flare.
In a clear message to candidates who might resort to dirty tricks, Eseru declared “zero tolerance” for any form of violence, intimidation, or harassment.
He said security agencies were already profiling individuals suspected of orchestrating such activities.
“Any form of political intimidation, demobilizations, harassment, or incitement of violence whether by candidates, agents, or supporters will be treated as a security threat,” he stressed.
“Law enforcement will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute offenders regardless of your status or political affiliation.”
The RDC also highlighted concerns about candidates mobilizing youth groups as instruments of intimidation.
He cited reports from certain sub-counties about stone-throwing, blocking of roads, and direct confrontations between rival groups.
“Any group engaging in stone-throwing, blocking roads, or confronting rivals will be disbanded immediately, and their sponsors held accountable,” he warned. “Please take serious note of this.”
Eseru further cautioned candidates to avoid divisive rhetoric, tribal slurs, or hate speech.
He underscored that any such language would be met with firm political and legal consequences.
“Hate speech, tribal remarks, and language that seeks to divide communities will be met with firm and political consequences,” he said. “This campaign must remain issue-based, respectful, and peaceful.”
In what will likely keep candidates and their teams on alert, Eseru revealed that all campaign activities across the district are being monitored “both day and night” by security operatives, including plainclothes officers.
He warned that no one should assume they can act with impunity.
“Those caught violating the law will be dealt with decisively and individually,” he said.
“Please, I have alerted you since my office coordinates all security activities in the district.”
Concluding his warning, Eseru reiterated the commitment of the Soroti District Security Committee to ensure peaceful, orderly, and lawful elections.
He promised that any candidate or team attempting to destabilize the electoral process would face “the full force of the law” without fear, favor, or political compromise.
“Let us conduct ourselves with dignity and discipline,” he urged all aspirants and their supporters.
The statement comes as competition intensifies for NRM parliamentary and local government tickets across Teso sub-region, with several high-profile races in Soroti District drawing large crowds and fierce rivalries.
Security agencies have repeatedly emphasized the need for calm, dialogue, and coordination to avoid violent clashes that have marred previous electoral cycles.
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