Masindi security suspends markets on NRM primaries polling day
He confirmed that polling stations will be ready by 7:00 AM on Thursday and urged voters to turn up in large numbers.
Masindi: The Masindi District Security Committee, chaired by Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Darius Nandinda, has suspended all market operations in the district on Thursday, July 17, 2025 the day scheduled for the National Resistance Movement (NRM) parliamentary primaries.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, RDC Nandinda explained that the decision was taken to ensure maximum voter turnout and prevent electoral malpractice.
He cited concerns that large market gatherings might discourage voters from participating in the primaries and could enable alleged collusion among some sub-county party registrars.
“We resolved to suspend big market operations because many people would opt for markets over voting. Additionally, we’ve directed the transfer of some party registrars after receiving reports of alleged connivance during past elections,” Nandinda said.
To maintain order and safeguard the election process, the security committee has also limited access to tally centres, allowing only five representatives per candidate.
Several roads leading to the tally centre will be closed, and there will be heavy deployment of security forces, including police and army personnel, throughout the town and at all polling stations.
“We are fully prepared to protect the vote from the village level up to the tally centre. Any attempts to cause chaos will be dealt with,” he added.
RDC Nandinda also appealed to voters to arrive early and avoid loitering around polling stations after casting their votes.
Meanwhile, Moses Ogwang, the Masindi District NRM Registrar, affirmed that the campaigns leading up to the primaries have been peaceful, with no major incidents reported.
He confirmed that polling stations will be ready by 7:00 AM on Thursday and urged voters to turn up in large numbers.
Ogwang noted that campaigns for other political positions will be suspended on polling day. Public rallies are not permitted, though candidates may conduct door-to-door engagements after voting concludes.
“We are committed to conducting free and fair elections,” Ogwang assured.
Do you have an advertisement or article you want to publish? Mail us at theugreports@gmail.com or WhatsApp +256757022363.
