Summary:
- Archbishop Kaziimba called on security forces to exercise restraint, arguing that their current level of force was excessive and unjustified.
KAMPALA: The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, Samuel Kaziimba, has urged Ugandans to avoid provoking security forces to prevent further violence.
However, he also condemned the brutality inflicted on civilians by security personnel during the Kawempe North by-election campaigns, comparing their treatment to that of animals in developed nations.
Speaking at an Ash Wednesday Holy Communion Service at Parliament on March 5, 2025, Kaziimba called on security forces to exercise restraint, arguing that their current level of force was excessive and unjustified.
“These days, I see people provoking security forces. But security must also learn to handle people with care because, sometimes, their actions are excessive. Even cows are not treated like that. In America, I saw cowboys in Texas playing music for cows while milking them. They told me the music helps the cows produce more milk. If even cows require gentle treatment, how much more should human beings?” Kaziimba remarked.
Kaziimba’s comments came a day after the government distanced itself from the violence seen during the by-election campaigns. On March 4, 2025, Trade Minister David Bahati, speaking on behalf of the government, insisted that the violence was not state-sanctioned and that those responsible should be held accountable.
“We have repeatedly stated that there is no state-sponsored violence in these elections. The state has not sanctioned these actions, and those harming people should be brought to book. The government is doing its best to ensure that Ugandans enjoy the freedom brought by the National Resistance Movement and elect their leaders in a free and fair environment,” Bahati asserted.
However, Mathias Mpuuga (Nyendo-Mukungwe) dismissed Bahati’s remarks, arguing that individuals implicated in election-related violence are often rewarded rather than punished.
“From the last elections, those who committed crimes against citizens have never been brought to book. The man who shot journalist Ashraf Kasirye is well-known and documented, yet Kasirye is now in exile in the U.S., while his attacker was promoted. We must confront these realities and hold up a mirror to ourselves,” Mpuuga stated.
The former Leader of the Opposition warned that the violence seen in Kawempe North foreshadows what Ugandans should expect in the 2026 general elections. He also questioned the rationale behind deploying the military in a by-election.
“The Kawempe by-election is a rehearsal for tougher times ahead. I will remind this House that state-sponsored violence will not benefit anyone. There is no logical explanation for military presence in a by-election. We are dealing with an Electoral Commission that is disempowered and unable to act,” Mpuuga added.
He further criticized the government’s claims of fostering democracy, arguing that electoral violence must be addressed if Uganda is serious about democratic progress. Otherwise, he suggested, the country should abandon elections altogether and declare martial law.
“What we are witnessing is illegality and impunity that has become normalized. Those in power believe they can act with impunity, even commit murder, and face no consequences. The Speaker ordered the Minister to make a statement on missing Ugandans, but the deadline passed with no response. If the government can ignore such grave concerns, then beating and injuring people in Kawempe becomes just another routine event. Parliament, which should be the country’s firewall against injustice, is simply looking on,” Mpuuga lamented.
The government’s statements followed concerns raised by Betty Nambooze (Mukono Municipality), who condemned the violence and brutality against civilians during a National Unity Platform (NUP) rally at Kawempe Muslim Primary School on March 4, 2025. The rally was abruptly cut short when power was switched off as NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi addressed the crowd.
Earlier that day, clashes erupted between NUP supporters and security forces, who responded with tear gas, beatings, and arrests. Over 32 people, including MPs Derrick Nyeko (Makindye East) and Muwadda Nkunyingi (Kyadondo East), were detained and later charged in court for being a public nuisance.
