SG Lumumba condemns Electoral violence

Sunday 22nd November 2020

The NRM Secretary General, Rt Hon. Justine Kasule Lumumba has condemned the riots that ensued in Kampala metropolitan earlier this week following the arrest of the presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi alias Bobi Wine in Luuka district.

While addressing the media at the party headquarters today, Lumumba asked police leadership to expedite the investigations and bring all perpetrators to book. 

“As a result, several people died and others sustained serious injuries. I call upon the IGP to urgently investigate these perpetrators and bring them to book,” Lumumba appealed.

She added that as NRM, we condemn the violent acts of the rioters and urge everyone to desist from such acts because riots put everybody’s life at risk. 

She noted that the role of security agencies is to protect people and property and the government has a cardinal duty and obligation to protect citizens by ensuring the safety of their lives adding that in enforcing this mandate, security organs are enjoined to use reasonable force.

Hon. Lumumba sent condolences to all families who lost their dear ones, and a message of pity to all those who were injured or lost their property in the process of restoring sanity.

According to police, over 30 people were killed in various parts of the country and a couple of them sustained serious injuries following protests. 

Hon. Lumumba castigated the rioters noting that “it was wrong for the rioters to attack the NRM people and those wearing yellow.” 

She also condemned the rioters for attacking court in Wobulenzi, vandalizing public installations such as CCTV cameras, looting businesses, markets, mounting illegal roadblocks and extortion of money from people and vandalizing of government registered vehicles including that of a senior Judicial officer.

She also cautioned the youths against the acts of pelting stones at armed security personnel which could result in loss of lives in retaliation to defend themselves.

 

Lumumba appeals to candidates

She asks all aspirants and party leaders to ensure that Ugandans remain safe and protected from the global pandemic. 

“Whoever wants to lead this country should be responsible. We can not lead the dead. Therefore, I urge all candidates to follow the COVID-19 guidelines set to manage campaigns,” Lumumba appealed. 

In a special way, she thanked President Museveni for “walking the talk” of observing SOPs.

In attendance was the National Treasurer, Hon. Rose Namayanja, Director mobilization, recruitment and cadre developments, Mathias Kasamba and Jacqueline kyatuhaire, the deputy National Treasurer.

Hon. Justine Lumumba ended with celebrating her 48th birthday with journalists and staff at the secretariat.