By KT Reporter
Candidates in Luwero District have called for peaceful, violence-free campaigns ahead of the January 2026 general elections. The Electoral Commission (EC) has nominated 29 candidates in Luwero to contest four parliamentary seats, including Bamunanika County, Katikamu South, Katikamu North, and the District Woman Member of Parliament.
The National Unity Platform (NUP), National Resistance Movement (NRM), and Democratic Front (DF) each fielded four candidates, the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) has three, FDC has one, and 13 are independents. On Wednesday, the candidates and their agents met at the EC offices in Luwero to agree on campaign programmes.
Each candidate signed to abide by the guidelines, with plans to cover one campaign a day. Sam Rutemba Agaba, the Luwero District EC Returning Officer, reiterated that campaigns must run from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. He warned candidates to avoid language or symbols that could incite violence or carry tribal, religious, or sectarian connotations.
The Luwero District Police Commander, Brighton Ahimbisamukama, warned that any candidate violating EC guidelines would face arrest and prosecution. He also urged candidates not to hire gangs to disrupt rivals’ campaigns. “No candidate is above the law. Once you or your agent violates the EC guidelines, we shall definitely arrest and charge you accordingly,” Ahimbisamukama said.
Robert Ssekitoleeko, the incumbent MP for Bamunanika County, expressed readiness to conduct peaceful campaigns but urged police to restrain rivals from provocation. He also called for law enforcement to act impartially.
Dr. Robert Kiyini, the NRM candidate for Bamunanika County, said violence in campaigns usually results from the incitement of supporters, which he does not intend to do. He urged fellow candidates to adhere to the campaign programme to avoid clashes.
Marvin Mugisha, an independent candidate in the Katikamu South MP race, called on candidates to prioritize issue-based campaigns instead of resorting to tribalism and violence.
Benjamin Ssembatya, the PFF candidate for Katikamu North MP, emphasized that candidates must preach peace, noting that violence always starts when leaders incite voters against each other.
Luwero was a hotspot during the 2021 general election, where several people were killed, including Kasaala LC1 chairman Richard Mutyaba, who was shot by security personnel while dispersing NUP supporters.
Protesters also burned the Wobulenzi Magistrate’s Court and government vehicles. The district remains a key area to watch as parliamentary and presidential candidates conduct their campaigns.
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