Summary:
General Muhoozi reported that 24 people, including MPs Derrick Nyeko (Makindye East) and Muwada Nkunyingi (Kyadondo East), were arrested in connection with the violence and remanded on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
KAMPALA: The government has announced that some civilians arrested during the recent violence at the Kawempe by-election campaign rally will face charges, including the illegal use of military gear.
Government has also reiterated its commitment to ensuring a “clean,” “transparent,” and safe electoral process in Kawempe.
The revelation was made by David Muhoozi, Minister of State for Internal Affairs, while presenting a statement before Parliament on Thursday. He described the violence between security forces and civilians as mere “skirmishes.”
“Those arrested are accused of various breaches of the law, including the alleged illegal use of military gear. Charges will be preferred in court, and the legal process will take its course,” Muhoozi stated.
He further noted that the government, in collaboration with the military and other security agencies, plans to publish a list of officially sanctioned uniforms and gear to prevent unauthorized use. Additionally, the Electoral Commission will issue guidelines on lawful conduct during the elections.
Muhoozi reported that 24 people, including MPs Derrick Nyeko (Makindye East) and Muwada Nkunyingi (Kyadondo East), were arrested in connection with the violence and remanded on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.
“Our goal is to ensure a fair, transparent, and peaceful by-election in Kawempe North. All stakeholders, including the Electoral Commission, political contenders, supporters, voters, and security agencies, must operate within the law. Any infractions will be handled through legal channels,” he emphasized.
However, several MPs raised concerns over the security forces’ conduct and the deployment of the Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force (JATT) during the elections.
Lwemiyaga County MP Theodore Ssekikubo challenged the government to explain the rationale behind JATT’s deployment.
“Why was JATT deployed after the official campaign period was announced? Minister, tell the country who authorized this and why?” Ssekikubo demanded.
Bugabula South MP Maurice Kibalya also criticized the government’s response, stating, “Every right-thinking Ugandan is asking: How did we get here? Yesterday, we saw a shocking scene—a woman in a car had a gun pointed at her by a security officer. Who is in charge of these campaigns?”
He urged Minister Muhoozi to acknowledge the violence and commit to corrective measures.
“Minister, we want you to restore hope in Ugandans. Instead, your statement suggests that everything is normal. You’ve blamed those arrested but haven’t addressed the security officers who participated in the brutality,” Kibalya added.
Terego District Woman MP Rose Obigah condemned the militarization of the electoral process, warning that it could destabilize the country.
“If the NRM expects any votes in Kawempe, it will be skeletal. The community is bleeding. Why has this election been militarized? Are we turning elections into war? The media, the fourth estate, has suffered greatly. A journalist has lost an eye—can we just sit here and accept that?” she lamented.
Mityana District Woman MP Joyce Bagala also raised concerns about attacks on journalists.
“The brutalization of journalists is alarming. Ibrahim Miracle is not the first victim. The government may pay hospital bills or replace damaged equipment, but what about the long-term impact on these journalists?” she asked.
Meanwhile, Minister of State for Industries David Bahati informed Parliament that journalist Ibrahim Miracle, who was beaten by security forces while covering the Kawempe by-elections, had been discharged from the hospital.
“I visited Miracle, who works with Top TV. He underwent facial surgery, but his eye was saved, and he is out of danger. The government will cover all his medical bills. Additionally, his damaged camera will be replaced,” Bahati stated.
However, Amuria District Woman MP Susan Amero questioned whether the government would compensate Miracle for lost income.
“Paying medical bills is one thing, but what about compensation? This man is a breadwinner. Security forces continue to take the law into their own hands without consequences. What are they supposed to be doing? If the police are meant to maintain law and order, why are they using guns to intimidate innocent civilians?” Amero challenged.
With rising concerns over election-related violence, the government faces growing pressure to ensure a fair electoral process while holding security forces accountable for their actions.
