The Ugandan government has distanced itself from the violence witnessed in Kawempe North by-elections campaigns, emphasizing that the actions of individuals brutalizing citizens were not state-sanctioned.
This statement came in response to growing concerns and protests raised by opposition Members of Parliament, who decried the brutality and arbitrary arrests that took place in Kawempe as NUP supporters were heading to candidate Nalukoola’s campaign at Kawempe playground.
Speaking on behalf of government, David Bahati, the Minister of Trade and Industry, condemned the actions of those involved in the violence, calling for accountability and urging that the perpetrators be held liable for their actions.
“There is no state sponsored violence in these elections that the state hasn’t sanctioned this and the people who are doing this harming people in elections should be brought to book. So we are doing what we can as government to ensure that people enjoy the freedom ushered in by the National Resistance Movement, they elect their leaders in a free environment. We shall continue to guard against this violence so that people can elect their leaders in a free and fair environment,” noted Bahati
However, former leader of Opposition, Hon. Mathias Mpuuga rejected Minister Bahati’s remarks arguing that most individuals accused of violence during elections have been promoted in higher positions and have never been held liable
“From the last elections, those who committed crimes against citizens have never been brought to book including the gentleman who shot the journalist, Ashraf Kasirye he is well known, well documented, Kasirye is exiled in the US, the gentleman who shot him was promoted. So we have to speak to ourselves, probably put a big mirror to our faces and agree as to what we are dealing with,” Mpuuga said
Opposition MPs strongly criticized what they describe as a pattern of violence during electoral periods, which they claim is designed to intimidate voters and suppress opposition voices. They also raised concerns over the safety of citizens, accusing security forces of being complicit in the attacks on opposition supporters.
Mpuuga also warned that the violence witnessed in the Kawempe by-elections is just a rehearsal of what awaits Ugandans in the 2026 elections
“The Kawempe by-election is a rehearsal of hard times ahead of us and I pray, I will be around to remind this House and members, acquiescing with violence and that state violence will not help anybody,” said Mpuuga.
