Stop justifying brutality; stand together against it
What you need to know:
During the Kawempe North parliamentary by-election on March 13, security forces assaulted several journalists, turning what should have been a democratic process into a war zone
The pain in the hearts of journalists and citizens following the recent brutality in Kawempe goes beyond physical wounds—it is a deep emotional, psychological, and societal injury. No apology can erase it. These acts of violence must end.
During the Kawempe North parliamentary by-election on March 13, security forces assaulted several journalists, turning what should have been a democratic process into a war zone.
Journalists such as Steven Kibwiika (Spark TV), Francis Isano (NBS), Raymond Tamale and Abubaker Lubowa (NMG-Uganda), and Ibrahim Miracle (Top TV) were attacked simply for doing their jobs.
Journalists do not provoke violence; their tools are cameras, recorders, pens, and phones. They document events, not incite them.
Yet, they are treated as enemies of the state. Even more disturbing is the mindset of some Ugandans who justify this violence, blaming journalists for merely being present. "Why did they go there?" some ask. "Why didn’t they run?"
This mindset is dangerous. Today, state violence may target specific groups, but tomorrow, it could reach anyone. A government that suppresses free speech and independent journalism is not protecting its citizens, it is silencing them.
Opposition supporters in Kawempe North have been maimed, beaten, and left some with life-altering injuries. These incidents echo past events, such as the November 2020 crackdown on protests that left over 50 people dead.
It is troubling that some Ugandans fail to see Opposition supporters as fellow citizens. When security forces brutalise them, many dismiss it as mere political violence rather than a blatant violation of human rights.
These acts of brutality reflect a broader crisis in governance, accountability, and human rights. Yet, instead of rallying in solidarity, some Ugandans blame the victims and justify the violence.
This dangerous mindset emboldens repression and erodes the very foundations of democracy and justice.
We must recognise that when any Ugandan is beaten, detained, or killed unjustly, it is a blow to us all. Security forces must stop treating journalists and Opposition supporters as enemies.
Every Ugandan deserves equal protection under the law, regardless of political beliefs.
The National Resistance Movement/Army led by President Yoweri Museveni waged a guerrilla war from 1981 to 1986, as a means to end state oppression. But we see this oppression continuing.
Instead of dismantling this wartime violence, Ugandan authorities institutionalised it.
The modern Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and other security agencies are direct successors of the NRA.
While professionalism was promised, a culture of impunity has overshadowed these aspirations.
The same command structures that relied on gun violence to solve problems in the 1980s remain intact, with many key figures from the war era still wielding significant power. The violence of today is not a mere coincidence it is an entrenched institutional practice.
Uganda’s electoral processes continue to be marred by violence, intimidation, and coercion.
The use of excessive force to silence Opposition voices signals that the NRA’s military doctrine never truly transitioned into democratic governance.
Instead, it has evolved into a system where force is used to maintain political dominance.
Security sector reforms are urgently needed to break the cycle of militarised governance. The top leadership must acknowledge that the use of force as a tool for political control is unsustainable and unacceptable.
Ugandans must reject the normalisation of violence, refuse to justify brutality, and demand accountability from those who wield power.
With the 2026 general elections approaching, one wonders if the events in Kawempe were merely a rehearsal for more brutal crackdowns to come.
Uganda cannot afford to perpetuate this cycle of violence. A nation built on the foundations of war and repression must strive to break free from its past, not replicate it.
The time for silence and complacency is over. Security forces must be held accountable, and Ugandan leadership must make a firm commitment to upholding democracy, the rule of law, and human dignity. Anything less is an affront to the very principles of justice and freedom that every Ugandan deserves.
Geofrey Mutegeki Araali, Communication Specialist
