By Stantly Ebele
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has beefed-up security in Karenga district following violent protests sparked by delayed declaration of the recently concluded National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primary results.
On Saturday, July 19, 2025, at around 6:00 AM, a group of protesters armed with sticks and other objects stormed the Women’s Community Hall, located at the district headquarters where vote tallying was taking place demanding answers from the party authorities about the delayed declaration of results.
Though the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primary results for Parliamentary flag bearers for the 2026 general elections have been declared in other districts across the country, Karenga district was still tallying the results by Saturday, sparking an uproar among the candidates and the voters alike.
The angry protesters accused the NRM district party leaders for allegedly cancelling results from the sub-counties of Lobalangit and Kakwanga, where the district incumbent Woman MP who also doubles as the state minister for ethics and integrity Lily Rose Akello, was defeated by her opponent Doreen Loy Imen.
Despite attempts by security personnel, which included police and UPDF, firing live bullets, the resilient protesters managed to gain access to inside the tally center after destroying doors and window panes.
The group took Karenga DPC ASP Simon Bateira hostage for hours, accusing him and other district party officials of allegedly receiving a bribe from Minister Rose Lily Akello to manipulate results in her favor.
However Etoil A Karamoja, has not yet verified these allegations independently but someone in the video shared on social media, stated that the DPC and two others had allegedly been offered bribes to influence the results of the election.
In a video clip shared on social media, ASP Bateira was seen pleading for his life as protesters chanted “DPC is Ours” while leading him out of the tally center to unknown destination.
Lux Patrick Lochiyo, the Karenga NRM District Registrar, and NRM election Commissioner from the secretariat, identified only as Boniface, had to flee the scene as they were surrounded by irate protesters.
In response to the deteriorating situation, the UPDF soldiers led by 403 Brigade Commander Gustus Mugarura and 43rd battalion commanded by Lt. Col. Emmanuel Kafuureka were deployed to the tally center and around town to restore order and ensure the safety of all the parties involved.
Filbert Ocailap, the Karenga RDC, said that the military’s deployment has helped to restore a sense of security and stability in the area.
He added the military continues to patrol the streets and maintain order as vote tallying continues from undisclosed location under heavy security presence.
Related Story:https://radioetoil.com/nrm-primaries-protests-erupt-in-karenga-over-delayed-nrm-primary-results/
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