The Soroti District Security Committee (DSC) has issued a stern warning to all aspiring Members of Parliament (MPs) and Local Council V (LCV) candidates, vowing to pursue legal action against any politician or supporter found inciting violence, making tribalistic remarks, or mobilizing youth groups to provoke unrest as the 2026 general elections approach.
The warning came during an urgent, closed-door security coordination meeting convened on Thursday at the Soroti District Council Hall.
Chaired by Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Eseru Paul, the session brought together security officials and political aspirants to address the rising wave of political tensions, hate speech, and early signs of voter intimidation in the district.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, RDC Eseru Paul said the security committee was not taking any chances, given the volatility of election periods.
He stressed the need for all candidates and their supporters to uphold peace and abide by the law.
“This is not just about politics. It’s about protecting the peace of Soroti,” he declared.
“We will not tolerate incitement to violence, tribalistic remarks, or the use of youth groups to intimidate or provoke unrest. Those found culpable will face the full force of the law.”
The meeting was attended by the Deputy RDC (DRDC), Assistant RDCs, District Internal Security Officer (DISO), Resident Chief State Attorney, police commanders, and representatives of other security agencies.
During the session, security officials announced that they would open a General Inquiries File (GIF) to document, investigate, and prosecute any electoral offenses committed in the run-up to the polls.
The RDC explained that the case files would serve as evidence against individuals engaging in illegal campaign activities, including incitement, hate speech, and violence.
Security officials insisted that all campaign events must be properly coordinated with the police to ensure safety and avoid clashes between rival camps.
With social media playing an increasingly powerful role in shaping public opinion, security agencies warned against the spread of fake news, incitement, and hate speech online.
Officials also reminded aspirants that electoral laws strictly regulate the timing and conduct of campaigns. Vote buying, they emphasized, would be punished severely.
The meeting further stressed the importance of working closely with security forces to ensure peaceful campaigns, with officers offering guidance on event security planning.
Despite the tough message from security officials, the meeting also provided a rare opportunity for candidates to raise their own concerns.
Several aspirants mainly from Opposition political parties complained about what they viewed as intimidation and biased treatment by security operatives in past campaigns.
“We want a level playing field,” one MP aspirant for Gweri County told the RDC. “Security must act fairly across the board. Otherwise, these warnings will only intimidate some of us while others go free.”
In response, RDC Eseru Paul promised impartial investigations into all claims of bias, urging candidates to formally report incidents for prompt action.
“We want fairness. If you have evidence of intimidation or bias, bring it forward,” the RDC said. “But at the same time, all of you must commit to peace and the rule of law.”
Observers say the security committee’s tough stance reflects growing anxiety over the potential for political violence ahead of the 2026 elections.
Previous campaigns in some parts of the Teso Sub-Region have been marked by heated tribal rhetoric, clashes between rival supporters, and allegations of vote buying.
Local security leaders worry that if left unchecked, these tensions could boil over into widespread unrest.
The opening of case files against perpetrators is seen as an attempt to deter bad behavior early, rather than respond after violence has erupted.
“Elections must not divide Soroti,” RDC Eseru concluded. “We want you to compete. We want you to win or lose fairly. But we will not allow anyone to burn our district for their personal ambition.”
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