Kyagulanyi and Museveni trade accusations over Kawempe north by-election violence

18 March 2025, 5:17 pm

By our staff writer

Ugandan opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, popularly known as Bobi Wine, has expressed deep concern over the violence surrounding the recent Kawempe North by-election.

Luyimbazi Elias Nalukoola of the National Unity Platform (NUP) defeated Namabi Faridah Kigongo of the NRM to secure a seat in the August House, polling 17,764 votes to Kigongo’s 8,593.

However, the election process was marred by acts of brutality and the arrest of individuals accused of allegedly interfering with the process.

Kazo Angola polling station was one of the areas where people and journalists were brutalised and arrested by security operatives.

Among those arrested were Geoffrey Kayemba, the Member of Parliament for Bukomansimbi South, and Hillary Kiyiga, the Member of Parliament for Mawokota North, both members of the National Unity Platform (NUP).

UPDF soldiers and cane-wielding men, believed to be undercover security operatives, did not spare the journalists, many of whom were severely beaten, arrested, and had their cameras destroyed, with some equipment confiscated.

These violent acts during the Kawempe North by-election, held to replace Muhammad Ssegirinya, who passed away on 9 January 2025 at the age of 37 after a long illness, have sparked public outrage.

Speaking about the aftermath of the chaotic by-election, NUP President Robert Kyagulanyi condemned the actions of security personnel who attacked, beat, and arrested journalists and NUP supporters, particularly those wearing 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.

Kyagulanyi, who vows to continue fighting for the rights of Ugandan citizens, has called on NUP supporters to remain peaceful and never to accept intimidation by violent acts orchestrated by the regime.

His remarks come days after President Museveni ordered 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 emphasised the need to scrutinise the Electoral Commission and the deployment of security forces during the by-election.

The President criticised those reportedly involved in electoral fraud, despite the NRM party being in charge of the country.

Museveni acknowledged reports of security personnel mistreating journalists while carrying out their duties and questioned the deployment of UPDF and JATT to manage the crowds.