By The People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) has issued a strong warning that it may rally opposition parties to reject the upcoming Kawempe North by-election if state-sponsored attacks on opposition supporters persist. PFF President and Kampala Lord Mayor, Erias Lukwago, condemned the escalating violence in the constituency, accusing security forces, particularly the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JATT), of failing to uphold justice and instead targeting innocent citizens.
“If the JATT gunmen continue their attacks on innocent citizens in Kawempe, we will have no choice but to call for a boycott of the election,” Lukwago declared, emphasizing the growing frustration among opposition supporters. His remarks come amid rising tensions, with opposition parties negotiating to field a single candidate against their rivals. Lukwago affirmed that discussions were ongoing and that a final decision would be reached soon.
“We are still hopeful that we will find common ground and present one strong candidate for the people of Kawempe North,” he stated, underlining the opposition’s resolve to unite against what they see as state-sponsored intimidation.
Despite mounting evidence of security brutality, state officials have distanced themselves from the attacks, even as the Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, defended security forces, claiming “they were doing a great job.” This has only fueled suspicions that the government is using the security apparatus to suppress dissent ahead of the by-election.
Beyond electoral concerns, the PFF also raised alarm over the prolonged delay in allocating a judge to hear the bail applications of opposition leaders Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajj Obeid Lutale. Lukwago criticized the delay as a politically motivated tactic aimed at silencing key opposition figures. “This delay is a clear violation of justice,” he said. “The government must stop playing politics with the lives of these individuals.”
With just days to the by-election, Lukwago warned that the systematic intimidation and violence in Kawempe North reflect a broader strategy to undermine the democratic process. He urged Ugandans to remain vigilant and hold the government accountable for ongoing human rights violations, which he said could have far-reaching implications for the 2026 general elections.
“The government must act swiftly to ensure that the elections are free, fair, and safe for all participants,” Lukwago asserted. “We will not stand by and let these violations continue.”
As tensions continue to rise, the focus now shifts to how both the government and opposition will navigate the final stretch before the highly contested by-election.
