DOKOLO — Police in Dokolo District have arrested 14 individuals allegedly hired from Lira City to disrupt the National Resistance Movement (NRM) primary elections scheduled for today.
The suspects were intercepted on Thursday at Rego-Rego trading centre, along the Lira-Dokolo highway, just a few kilometres from Dokolo Town. They were travelling in a Toyota Hiace taxi, registration number UBP 983P.
North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson, Jimmy Patrick Okema, confirmed the arrests, noting that while investigations are ongoing, initial intelligence suggests the group may have been deployed to interfere with the electoral process.
“Following an intelligence-led operation, we intercepted a group suspected to have been hired to cause violence,” said Okema.
The suspects are currently detained at Dokolo Central Police Station, where the vehicle has also been impounded. Okema cautioned against the use of bouncers, describing them as unrecognised and illegitimate actors in electoral security.
“We want to make it clear that bouncers are not recognised by law. They should not be involved in any security operations,” he said.
He urged all candidates, agents, and supporters to maintain peace throughout the voting process.
“Do not intimidate or suppress voters by hiring goons or bouncers. As police, we are committed to ensuring a safe and peaceful electoral environment.”
Dokolo Resident District Commissioner, Ms Barbara Akech, also confirmed that the situation was under control. However, she noted that security agencies continue to monitor the movement of suspected individuals within the district.
“The situation in Dokolo is calm for now, but intelligence reports indicate some bouncers are still moving around to confuse voters,” she said.
Akech called on all candidates and their supporters to exercise restraint and patience as the electoral process unfolds.
“I urge everyone to remain calm, wait peacefully for the official announcement of results, and celebrate responsibly.”
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