Kampala — Human rights activists yesterday condemned the violence that has marred the NRM primaries, calling for action against perpetrators.

The activists, under the Human Rights Network, noted that free and fair elections were important for the development of democracy in Uganda.

Mohammed Ndifuna, the chief executive officer, pointed out in a statement issued at a press conference yesterday that an undemocratic political party cannot govern a country democratically.

"Whereas most political parties like DP and UPC had irregularities in their internal electoral systems, the irregularities in NRM leave a lot to be desired," said Patrick Tumwine, the advocacy and information officer.

He said the NRM elections in the past two weeks had been characterised by violence, intimidation, massive rigging, and human rights violations by a number of NRM supporters in different parts of the country.

"We are concerned that despite the irregularities, nothing has been done to remedy them and provide a platform where party members can freely express themselves," he said.

He outlined ballot theft and stuffing, missing ballot papers, missing voters' names on the register and failing to punish those who rig and bribe voters as signs of a non-democratic state.