What began as a peaceful political competition in Moroto has deteriorated into violent unrest, marked by blood-stained streets, distraught families, and overwhelmed medical facilities.
Violent clashes have erupted between supporters of rival National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidates Fred Angella and Francis Lorika Adome, leaving multiple individuals seriously injured and dozens detained. The escalating tension surrounding the upcoming party primaries has turned parts of Moroto into conflict zones.
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Neighborhoods like Camp Swahili, Nakapelimen, and Singila have borne the brunt of the violence, with successive nights of street battles between rival youth groups armed with sticks and stones. Daily life in these areas has been brought to a standstill.
Authorities at Moroto Central Police Station report a spike in cases related to public disorder, bodily harm, and property destruction. “We’re receiving several complaints each day. The environment is highly volatile,” said Carol Amongin, who heads the political complaints unit set up to manage election-related incidents.
Hospitals and clinics, particularly Moroto Regional Referral Hospital, have been flooded with victims suffering from severe injuries, including fractures and head wounds. Medical staff, already under strain, are struggling to cope with the influx.
The unrest is fueled by growing factionalism within the NRM, as both Angella and Adome vie for control over Moroto Municipality’s party ticket. Though the two candidates have publicly condemned the violence, community leaders argue that their statements lack urgency and accountability.
“This conflict is no longer about politics—it’s turned personal and dangerous,” said Maria Nachap, a local resident, whose neighbor is among the injured. Elder and former education officer Paul Abul added, “Leaders must take responsibility. This violence is disgraceful and must end immediately.”
Human rights groups are calling on the NRM Electoral Commission and security agencies to take urgent steps to defuse the situation, including stronger police presence and reconciliation efforts between the rival camps.
As fear and uncertainty grip Moroto, the focus has shifted from the democratic process to a struggle for safety, casting a dark shadow over the district’s political future.
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