Ensure violence-free election in Kawempe

The Kawempe North parliamentary seat was declared vacant following the death of Muhammad Ssegirinya in January.

The Electoral Commission nominated 10 candidates. These are independents Hanifa Karadi, Alex Muhammad Luswa Luwemba, Muhamood Mutazindwa, Moses Nsereko, and Stanley Edward Engena Maitum; National Unity Platform (NUP)’s Elias Luyimbaazi Nalukoola; Forum for Democratic Change (FDC)’s Sadat Mukiibi, alias Khalifa Aganaga; National Resistance Movement (NRM)’s Faridah Nambi Kigongo; Democratic Party (DP)’s Henry Kasacca Mubiru; and Ismail Musiitwa from the People's Progressive Party (PPP). 

The campaigns kicked off on March 1 and ended yesterday. Voters are set to cast their ballots tomorrow. However, violent scenes have been reported during campaigns of Mr Nalukoola, with security operatives, including those in plain clothes and masks, engaging in running battles with his supporters.

For instance, videos of operatives, attached to the Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force (JATT), beating up NUP supporters and a journalist, Mr Miracle Ibrahim, and firing live bullets and teargas over NUP crowds, were shared widely on various social media platforms last week.

Last Thursday, lawmakers called out security agencies over their interference and excessive force in the campaigns. They were responding to the State minister for Internal Affairs, Mr David Muhoozi, who had presented a statement regarding the fractured relationship between security personnel and NUP supporters, leading to the arrest of 24 people, including two MPs.

Minister Muhoozi, according to an article on the website of Parliament, said the government is committed to ensuring a clean and safe election in support of the Electoral Commission (EC). 

However, he warned Ugandans to follow the law and electoral guidelines. “We were all treated to that video of people in military formations, and I knew it would attract consequences, both intended and unintended. Moving forward, we must engage with security and all relevant players to ensure credible electoral processes,” he said. 

While the State accuses NUP supporters who wear a red beret and overalls of possessing military stores, what is it doing about the security personnel who clobber unarmed civilians who want to attend campaign rallies to listen to what the candidates intend to do for their constituency? What assurances do voters have that, save for the NRM candidate’s campaigns and supporters, they can host Opposition candidates in their homes, work spaces and even attend their rallies without security personnel clobbering them? 

When campaigns are marred by violence, voters, candidates and polling officials operate in an environment that promotes distrust, tension and mayhem is likely to occur. The Electoral Commission, JATT, police and other key stakeholders must rise to the occasion and ensure the Kawempe North by-election polls and announcement of the results are violent-free.