MP Atima Warns Against Criminality, Politically Motivated Arrest of his Supporters
MP Atima while addressing his rally in Pangisa ward on Friday. Photo Credit, Andrew Cohen Amvesi
ARUA CITY – Jackson Atima Lee Buti, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Arua Central Division, has cautioned police against politically motivated arrests targeting his supporters.
Atima, the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) official flag bearer for the 2026 Arua Central Division parliamentary elections, also strongly condemned any form of criminality.
He urged his supporters to engage in peaceful campaigns and avoid acts that are punishable by law.
The MP made these remarks during a rally in Pangisa ward on Friday, December 19, 2025. The event drew a large crowd, with various groups, including the Alur community in Pangisa Ward, presenting him with numerous gifts.
However, Atima raised concerns over reports that one of his agents in Pangisa Ward was living in fear after being tipped off about an impending arrest for supporting him.
He warned police to stop targeting his supporters and advised them to follow proper procedures.
“I heard that they warned my supporter here, Bashir, that in two days they are going to arrest him. They are using some mob to arrest people, but I have talked to security. I told police and the army that if they are defeated in performing their roles, they should inform the government. You can’t use the mob to arrest people,” Atima said.
He emphasized that police should liaise with Local Council (LC) One chairpersons and conduct due diligence before making arrests, rather than relying on mobs. Atima also cautioned LCs against being used politically to influence arrests during this election period.
“I don’t support criminality, but you can’t come and arrest people because they support Atima and President Yoweri Museveni. In Uganda, there is freedom of speech, freedom of choice, freedom of worship, among others, so it is one’s right to choose a political party to support. That is why we are candidates from various political parties,” he added.
Atima assured youths and women in his camp that no one would intimidate them for supporting the NRM. At the same time, he urged them to avoid criminal activities such as theft and pickpocketing, and to focus on honest hard work.
As a father and leader, he called for discipline in Arua Central Division and encouraged residents to embrace government programs. He announced plans to operationalize a skilling centre he has built to equip youths with skills to support their families.
Additionally, Atima revealed that, with the support of Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, they are working to establish factories similar to those in Mbale Industrial Park and attract investors to Arua to create more jobs.
Al-Hajj Isa Afeku Kato, the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) coordinator for Arua City, praised Atima for his impressive achievements during his tenure.
Kato said the MP deserves re-election, as his accomplishments are tangible and he is poised for even greater contributions if given another term to represent Arua Central Division in Parliament.