By Alexander Mackey Okori
Ugandan opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi popularly known as Bobi Wine has expressed deep concern over the violence witnessed in the recent Kawempe North by-election.
Luyimbazi Elias Nalukoola of the National Unity Platform (NUP) beat Namabi Faridah Kigongo of the NRM party to August house after polling 17,764 votes against 8,593 votes.
However, the election process was marred by acts of brutality and arrests of individuals accused for allegedly interfering with the election process.
Kazo Angola polling station is one of the areas where people and journalists were brutalised and arrested by the security operatives.
Among those that were arrested are Geoffrey Kayemba, the Member of Parliament for Bukomansimbi South and the Member of Parliament for Mawokota North Hillary Kiyiga all members of the National Unity Platform (NUP).
The UPDF soldiers and the cane-welding men believed to be the undercover security operatives didn’t spare the journalists as a number of them were severely beaten and arrested with their camera destroyed and some equipment confiscated.
These violent acts that unfolded in the Kawempe North by-election to replace Muhammad Ssegirinya who passed away on 9th of January 2025, at the age of 37 after a long illness, have since sparked public outrage.
However, while speaking about the aftermath of the chaotic Kawempe North by-election, the National Unity Platform (NUP) president, Robert Kyagulanyi, criticised the manner in which the security personnel attacked, beat and arrested journalists and NUP foot soldiers identified by their distinctive red jumpsuits and berets.
“The NUP supporters, particularly those wearing red jumpsuits, were subjected to severe brutality by officers from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), the police, and the Joint Anti-Terrorism (JAT) unit” said Kyagulanyi.
However, Kyagulanyi, who vows to continue fighting for the rights of Ugandan citizens has called on NUP supporters to remain peaceful and never to accept to be intimidated by violent acts orchestrated by the regime.
His sentiments comes days after President Museveni ordered for a forensic audit of the Kawempe North by-election.
Museveni claimed that the NRM did not lose the election fairly, stating that there are deeper issues that warrant investigation.
He further emphasized the need to look into the Electoral Commission and the security forces deployment during the by-election.
The President criticised those reportedly engaged in electoral fraud despite NRM party being in charge of the country.
Museveni admitted reports of security personnel mistreating journalists in execution of their duties duty and questioned the deployment of UPDF and JATT manage the crowds.
