Sanjay Tanna condemns violence, Sectarian Remarks in Tororo Municipality, MP race.

Former Tororo Municipality Member of Parliament Sanjay Tanna has strongly condemned incidents of violence and alleged sectarian remarks in the ongoing Tororo Municipality parliamentary race, warning that the situation threatens voter safety and the credibility of the electoral process.

Addressing the press on Christmas Eve in Tororo Municipality, Tanna expressed concern over what he described as a growing pattern of violence and the continued silence of key stakeholders as campaigns intensify ahead of polling day.

His remarks come amid a closely contested race in which independent candidate Shyam Tanna—his son—has  built significant grassroots support, posing a serious challenge to the incumbent MP and NRM flag bearer, Apollo Yeri Ofwono, who also serves as the NRM chairperson for Tororo District.

Sanjay Tanna said the campaign environment has deteriorated sharply, citing reports that some candidates are allegedly paying youths to vandalise campaign materials, including posters and banners.

He said there have been incidents of violence against individuals wearing campaign t-shirts associated with certain  candidates.

“One of the key pillars of the NRM government has always been peace and stability, and this is the very foundation on which it campaigns,” Tanna said. “It is therefore extremely unfortunate that this pillar is being shaken by violence and the lack of security for voters, especially the elderly and other vulnerable citizens expected to vote on the 15th.”

Tanna further raised concern over what he described as sectarian and divisive remarks allegedly made by the incumbent MP Apollo Yeri ofwono saying such conduct contradicts the principles upon which the National Resistance Army (NRA) came to power.

“It is deeply saddening that one of the original ten-point programmes of the NRA government after the bush war was to fight sectarianism, yet today we see the incumbent Member of Parliament, the NRM district chairperson, and a serving minister  making sectarian remarks,” he said. “This abuse of the electoral process is utterly disgusting and very sad.”

Apollo Yeri has been quoted in several public forums allegedly making demeaning and sectarian comments directed at Shyam Tanna, reportedly referencing his skin colour and Indian origin.

These remarks have drawn criticism from sections of the public and are said to have heightened political tensions within the constituency.

Sanjay Tanna attributed the alleged destruction of campaign materials to fear among political opponents. “Some candidates believe posters create popularity, but the population has already made up its mind,” he said, pointing to Shyam Tanna’s door-to-door campaign approach.

He added that the campaign has brought to the fore issues such as alleged land grabbing, corruption, and leadership shortcomings, which he said have resonated strongly with voters.

In his address, Tanna urged voters to support President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in the presidential race while backing Shyam Tanna for Member of Parliament for Tororo Municipality.

He also appealed to parents to discourage their children from engaging in street violence, alcoholism, or accepting money to cause chaos.

“Violence is not a monopoly of any one party, and the security situation can deteriorate very quickly if it is not addressed,” he warned.

Tanna called on security agencies and the Electoral Commission to intervene urgently to restore order and ensure a peaceful and credible election. “We ask the security forces and the Electoral Commission to take charge before the situation gets out of hand,” he said.

Efforts to obtain a detailed response from Hon. Apollo Yeri Ofwono have so far been unsuccessful, although he has previously been quoted denying any involvement in orchestrating violence against his opponents.

As the campaign period enters its final stages, political leaders, civil society actors, and residents continue to call for restraint, tolerance, and strict adherence to electoral laws to safeguard peace in Tororo Municipality.