Security Sets Tough Conditions For Gen Tumukunde’s Campaigns in Kitgum

The Kitgum District Security Committee has issued tough conditions for Independent Presidential Candidate Gen Henry Tumukunde Kakurugu to fulfil during his campaign meetings in the district.

This is after Gen Tumukunde was cleared to hold campaign meetings with his supporters in three different areas in the district starting on Tuesday.

His campaign mobilizers had earlier written to the district security committee seeking permission to hold campaign meetings for Gen Tumukunde and his supporters.

The letter seen by URN Dated November 24th written by Charles Ocaya, the Chairperson Organizing Committee indicates that Gen Tumukunde will hold campaign meetings in Akado village in Labongo Akwang Sub County, Boma Grounds in Kitgum Municipality and Kitgum Matidi Town Council.

William Komakech, Kitgum Resident District Commissioner who heads the security committee says that they have given a go-ahead for the team to hold their campaign meetings but with caution.

He, however, cautioned that Gen Tumukunde’s campaign managers should ensure strict adherence to covid-19 guidelines short of which the meeting may be seen as a threat to the health of people.

Komakech says the venue should be accessed by Gen Tumukunde's supporters not exceeding 200 arguing that they should all wear facemasks and observe social distancing.

“There should be no more than 200 people at the venue, there should be a handwashing facility, temperature gun. The supporters must observe social distancing and wear facemasks,” says Komakech.

The District Police Commander Tommy Eyaku says the police will offer security to ensure the campaign is peaceful since the electoral commission had already harmonized the schedules.

He adds that the fact that President Museveni also used the venue during his campaign meeting in the district recently, it set a precedence that venue is accessible for all other presidential candidates.

Earlier this month, National Unity Platform-NUP presidential candidate Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi failed to use Christ the King playgrounds in Kitgum Municipality after police blocked him. Police accused him of breaching covid-19 sops by making processions that attracted thousands of his supporters contrary to guidelines set by the electoral commission and the Health Ministry.

Equally, Forum for Democratic Change Party Presidential Candidate Patrick Oboi Amuriat was blocked from meeting his supporters in Kitgum district after his schedule clashed with that of President Museveni, National Resistance Movement Presidential candidate.

Gen Tumukunde is also expected to meet his supporters in Padibe Town council in  Lamwo district and Kalongo Town Council in Agago on Tuesday before ending East Acholi campaign trail in Pader District on Wednesday.