By What was supposed to be a peaceful campaign rally for all candidates contesting in the Kawempe North parliamentary by-election yesterday turned violent after security forces—including the police, the Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force (JATT), the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), and plain-clothed security operatives—descended on National Unity Platform (NUP) leaders and supporters, beating them mercilessly.
Live bullets and tear gas filled the air in Kawempe as security forces violently assaulted NUP members, arresting several individuals and leaving many with severe injuries.
The incident marked the third consecutive day that security forces peacefully escorted the National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate, Faidah Nambi, while using excessive force against Opposition supporters, particularly those affiliated with NUP.
Security Agencies Accused of Targeting Opposition
At the forefront of these violent crackdowns is the JATT, working in conjunction with the police, UPDF, and plain-clothed operatives. The JATT, established under the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2002, was originally tasked with combating the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in northern Uganda. However, the unit has faced international criticism over allegations of torture and illegal detentions—charges the government has consistently denied.
The Electoral Commission (EC) nominated 10 candidates for the by-election to replace the late Muhammad Ssegirinya, who passed away on January 9, 2024. The candidates include:
- Erias Luyimbaazi Nalukoola (NUP)
- Faridah Nambi (NRM)
- Henry Kasacca (Democratic Party – DP)
- Sadat Mukiibi (Aganaga) (Forum for Democratic Change – FDC)
- Ismail Musiitwa (People’s Progressive Party – PPP)
- Independents: Hanifah Karadi, Muhamood Mutazindwa, Muhammed Lusswa Luwemba, Moses Nsereko, and Henry Stanley Maitum (son of former President Milton Obote).
Campaigns, which began on March 1 and are set to run until March 11 ahead of the elections on March 13, initially started peacefully. However, security forces have since escalated their crackdown, particularly targeting NUP supporters. Anyone wearing the party’s signature red overall or beret has been subjected to beatings and arrests.
Party members have accused security forces of deliberately targeting NUP, a week after security personnel reportedly raided the party’s headquarters at Makerere-Kavule, confiscating computers, phones, and party documents.
Condemnation from NUP Leadership
NUP Secretary General, David Lewis Lubongoya, condemned the security forces’ actions, stating that MPs Muwada Nkunyigi and Derrick Nyeko, along with several party supporters, were arrested.
The party later issued a statement on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, denouncing the violence:
“The brutality, the rage, and the hunger for violence by security operatives is deeply alarming! This is a glimpse of what happened just as we exited our party headquarters this afternoon to head to Kawempe Muslim Primary School for our rally. Someday, we shall be free as Ugandans!”
The Blockade and Escalation of Violence
At around noon, as NUP supporters prepared to leave their headquarters in Makerere Kavule for a campaign event at Kawempe Muslim P/S playground, security forces heavily deployed to block their movement.
About eight notorious “drone” vans—vehicles frequently used in the abduction of Opposition members since the 2021 elections—were stationed near the headquarters, ready to whisk away party members to unknown locations.
When NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) arrived, security forces, including JATT, UPDF, and police, swiftly blocked all roads leading to Kawempe in an attempt to stop him from proceeding. A scuffle ensued as security operatives brutally assaulted NUP members and forcefully detained others in waiting drones.
JATT operatives fired live bullets and tear gas to disperse supporters, leading to numerous injuries and arrests. Among the injured was Godfrey Onzima, a party supporter, who sustained a broken leg.
“I was heavily caned by JATT. They have broken my leg and caused permanent suffering in my life,” Onzima said.
He questioned why security forces continue to target unarmed civilians for simply supporting a political party:
“Why should the poor suffer? I pay taxes, yet I am punished for it. What then is the value of my money? We were peaceful, but they turned our joy into tears. We are not enemies of the state. Why must we keep suffering and dying? We need justice!”
Kyagulanyi Condemns Government’s Actions
Mr Kyagulanyi condemned the planned state violence, insisting that nothing would deter the Opposition from fighting for change:
“These criminals in uniform have once again unleashed incredible brutality on us. While the NRM candidate enjoys processions and rallies without interference, security forces attack us with orders to block our movements. Many comrades are in hospitals with bullet wounds, broken legs, and other injuries. Museveni forgets that this terror only strengthens our resolve. I thank our people for standing strong in the face of intimidation.”
He reiterated that despite the government’s weapons, wealth, and authority, they lack the people’s support:
“They have guns, money, and power, but they do not have the people. That is why they keep arresting and intimidating us—to instill fear. But we will not be silenced.”
Kyagulanyi likened the government’s actions to colonial-era oppression:
“Many Ugandans remain impoverished due to government neglect. This regime is no different from the European colonizers who invaded our country, looted our minerals, and sold our people into slavery. We are witnessing history repeat itself. Today, Ugandans are enslaved in the Middle East, suffering in Asia, and struggling under a corrupt regime at home.”
Nalukoola Calls for Justice
NUP candidate Erias Luyimbaazi Nalukoola also condemned the state-orchestrated violence, promising to uphold democracy, strengthen the rule of law, and improve Uganda’s social sectors:
“I will start by challenging the NRM’s attempt to overturn the Supreme Court ruling against trying civilians in military courts. We must protect that ruling and ensure justice prevails. Our people continue to suffer under an oppressive system, but I will fight to uphold our Constitution and defend our rights.”
Security Forces and Electoral Commission Respond
Despite clear video evidence circulating on mainstream and social media, police denied any wrongdoing.
Luke Owoyesigyire, Deputy Spokesperson of Kampala Metropolitan Police, distanced himself from the events, stating:
“I was not at the scene. I will issue a statement after gathering the correct information.”
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission claimed it had received no official reports of violence against NUP supporters.
EC spokesperson Julius Mucunguzi told this publication that he would consult with the Kawempe Division returning officer before commenting:
“I cannot comment without verifying the facts. However, all candidates have the liberty to campaign as per the roadmap. If any candidate is blocked unlawfully, that would be unacceptable. Let me first gather more information.”
Missing NUP Supporters
By press time, several NUP supporters were still missing. Among them are Namuli wa Bobi and Olivia Katende, whose disappearance was reported by fellow party members.
