Police in Gulu has called on the Electoral Commission to ban night discos organized by political aspirants soliciting for votes ahead of the February general elections.
This followed an incident last week in which a 38 year-old man identified as Sam Komakech was stabbed to death in Awach Sub-county in Gulu District. The deceased was stabbed after violence erupted at a night disco organized by incumbent Gulu Municipality MP Christopher Acire. Mr Acire, the FDC flag for Aswa constituency is seeking to oust incumbent Aswa County MP Reagan Okumu, also an FDC party member albeit contesting as an independent.
According to police, the incident occurred after Acire campaigned in Awach and organized a disco for his supporters.
Acholi times received information that the deceased was attacked by a colleague who is currently on the run over a woman the two were both interested in.
Aswa Regional Police Spokesperson Mr Jimmy Patrick Okema told a press early this week that, the deceased would not have died if the legislator had informed police about the night disco.
“We want to request the EC to look into this matter and tell us police whether it’s legal for the aspirants to arrange such discos. This is a political season and if these politicians are organizing such dancing at night, police must be informed to ensure safety of the people,” said Mr Okema.
The police spokesman said the incident in Awach was not the first of its kind. In Nwoya district, two people were killed during the NRM primaries held late last year. The police say they are investigating the Awach-stabbing.
“We have begun our investigations on the matter, we shall call on Mr Acire for a statement on the incidence as police trails the suspect who is still at large,” said Okema.
EC speaks out
Mr Benson Obete, Gulu Electoral Commission Registrar, when contacted said the legislator had violated the electoral commission guidelines that provides no politician would campaign pas the recommended time of 6pm.
“In the case of Mr Acire, the act was purely illegal. Anything that is manned by a politician be it inform of organizing a dance minus informing the police is not allowed and he should stand to answer it,” Mr Obete said in telephone interview.
Mr Acire however acknowledged that he indeed held a rally in Awach Sub County but denied organizing a disco for his supporters.
“It’s true I talked to my electorates on that fateful day, but what I learnt is that my opponent organized a night party in the area and unfortunately my people went to dance. The person who died is my campaign agent,” Mr Acire said.
Acire said he had done nothing wrong as he stopped his rally at 6 pm as directed by the EC.
