Tensions remain high in Soroti City today following an unprecedented security deployment ahead of the nomination exercise for parliamentary candidates.
Police and other security agencies have mounted heavy patrols across the city, sealing off major public spaces including the Soroti Public Gardens, a venue where the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) had initially planned to hold its first post-nomination rally.
By morning, dozens of armed personnel were seen patrolling key streets in Soroti City.
The heightened security presence has sparked anxiety among residents and business owners, many of whom were forced to close shop early for fear of possible clashes.
According to security sources, the move to seal off the Soroti Public Gardens was prompted by intelligence reports suggesting that rival political groups were mobilizing supporters for parallel activities at the same venue.
“We cannot allow a situation that could threaten peace and security in Soroti City,” a police officer, who preferred anonymity, told this publication. “We have advised all political parties to liaise with the Electoral Commission and the security committee before conducting rallies.”
FDC candidate for Soroti City East Division, Hon. Moses Okia Attan, had earlier announced that his first campaign rally would be held at the Public Gardens shortly after his nomination.
However, police have since redirected the event to Oligoi Stadium.
“We received communication this morning that our venue was sealed off without prior notice,” one of Attan’s campaign coordinators said. “We were told to relocate to Oligoi Stadium. We will comply because we do not want to engage in confrontations, but this kind of selective restriction is unfair.”
All FDC candidates in Soroti City, including Joan Alobo Acom, the incumbent Woman MP, Moses Okia Attan (Soroti City East), and Jonathan Ebwalu (Soroti City West), are expected to be nominated today and officially launch their campaigns later in the afternoon.
Party officials say they had submitted prior notification for their intended venues in line with Electoral Commission guidelines.
Meanwhile, security has also been reinforced at critical installations such as petrol stations, banks, and major junctions. Police say the operations are preventive measures aimed at ensuring a peaceful nomination process.
Despite the tension, the Electoral Commission has assured candidates of a smooth nomination process.
Residents, however, expressed mixed feelings about the heavy security presence, with some saying it was necessary for peace, while others described it as intimidation ahead of a highly competitive political season.
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