The Rwenzori West Police Spokesperson, SP Vincent Twesige, has urged all political candidates and their supporters to strictly follow the campaign regulations set by the Electoral Commission and the police to ensure peaceful and well-organized elections.

Addressing journalists on Monday, Twesige reminded candidates to respect the agreed campaign schedule, stressing that all campaign activities must take place between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. He warned that neither candidates nor public address systems should operate beyond the stipulated time.

Twesige also called upon the youth who make up the majority of campaign participants to refrain from acts of violence and voter intimidation. He cautioned that anyone found engaging in such misconduct will face prosecution. “Youth should not be used by politicians to cause violence. Anyone caught will be arrested and charged,” Twesige warned.

He further emphasized that campaigns in markets, busy business areas, and around schools are strictly banned, especially since schools are still open and it is currently the examination period.

The police spokesperson also condemned voter bribery, reminding candidates that offering gifts to voters violates electoral laws. He appealed to all stakeholders to comply with the Electoral Commission and police guidelines to promote a peaceful campaign environment.

Regarding regional security, SP Twesige reported that calm has been restored in the Rwenzori region following the November 1 attacks. However, he urged residents to remain alert and report any suspicious individuals or activities, assuring the public that security agencies are on high alert to safeguard the ongoing campaigns.

On November 1, armed groups launched coordinated assaults in Kasese, Bundibugyo, and Fort Portal City. Targets included Kasese Central Police Station, Rughendare Police Post, and the Malindi and Kakuka military detachments in Bundibugyo. An attempted raid was also made on Canon Apollo School in Fort Portal City. In the aftermath, 41 suspected assailants were killed, while more than 90 others were captured.

Meanwhile, in Kitagwenda District, Returning Officer Francis Kagoro reported that campaigns commenced peacefully, with no complaints registered from candidates. He urged all participants to continue adhering to the Electoral Commission’s directives. “We expect the candidates to follow all the rules and stick to the program they agreed upon with the Electoral Commission,” Kagoro stated.

In Fort Portal City, NRM candidate for Woman Member of Parliament, Irene Linda, officially began her campaign in Kasusu Ward. She revealed that she plans to minimize large rallies and instead prioritize door-to-door visits to engage directly with voters. “When you meet people personally, you get to understand their needs better and know exactly what they expect from you, something that’s hard to achieve in large rallies,” she explained.

Residents also voiced their expectations from political leaders. Christine Asiimwe, a voter from Rwengoma Ward, appealed to politicians to deliver on their promises once elected. “Politicians always promise us heaven and earth when they are campaigning, but once elected, they forget us. We are tired of empty promises; we want actions now,” she said.