Prof. Muganga condemns journalists’ mistreatment in Kawempe North by-election

14 March 2025, 1:47 pm

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By Ronald Ssemagonja

On 9th January 2025, the Member of Parliament for Kawempe North constituency, Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya, passed away. In response, the Electoral Commission commenced the process of finding his replacement, as stipulated by Ugandan law. Ten individuals, some affiliated with political parties and others independent, expressed interest and were duly registered after meeting all the necessary requirements.

Campaigns began on 28th February and concluded on 11th March 2025, albeit with some challenges. Yesterday, voting commenced in the morning in accordance with Electoral Commission guidelines. As part of the process, journalists were expected to inform the public about events at all 197 polling stations. Everything was proceeding smoothly until some security personnel began obstructing journalists from carrying out their work. Some were assaulted, along with other individuals at various locations.

Prof. Lawrence Muganga, Vice-Chancellor of Victoria University, along with others, spoke out against the incidents. “It is deeply upsetting to witness the brutality inflicted on our student, Isano, a journalist with NBS TV, as well as Abubaker Lubowa of Daily Monitor, Dennis Kabugo, and Raymond Tamale of NTV Uganda, alongside other journalists from various media houses. No journalist should face violence simply for doing their job,” he stated.

Adding that journalists are the voice of the people, the eyes that uncover the truth, and a pillar of any democracy, he stated: “They deserve protection, not brutality. Silencing the press is a dangerous path—one that threatens the very foundation of a just and informed society.”

Muganga concluded by wishing all affected journalists a swift recovery. “We stand with you. We pray for your quick healing and hope that peace prevails in Kawempe North. Uganda is better than this. Let us stand together for justice, press freedom, and respect for every human being.”

Similarly, leaders of various media houses and associations condemned the attacks and announced a boycott of security briefings until a meaningful solution is reached.

At around midnight, the Returning Officer for Kampala district, Henry Makabayi, declared Erias Nalukoola, the NUP Party candidate, the winner with over 17,000 votes. The NRM candidate, Nambi Faridah, came second with over 8,000 votes, followed by the other contenders. Independent candidate Nsereko Moses, who finished last, vowed to challenge the results in court.

Nalukoola expressed his gratitude to supporters and promised to deliver on his mandate. Hon. Kiwanda Suubi, one of the NRM Party representatives at the tally centre in Makerere University, Kampala district, congratulated the people of Kawempe for their participation, despite his party’s loss.

Nalukoola now awaits the swearing-in ceremony before officially assuming his duties, as outlined in Article 79 of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda.