Minister David Muhoozi’s description of the violence during the Kawempe North by-election as “skirmishes” has sparked widespread criticism, as many view it as an attempt to downplay the seriousness of the clashes between security forces and National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters. Despite reports of injuries, arrests, and the use of tear gas, his statement has raised concerns about transparency and the government’s commitment to holding free and fair elections.
This controversy has led to a broader discussion about electoral violence, security forces’ conduct, and the role of government oversight. Many Members of Parliament (MPs) have voiced strong disapproval, accusing the government of failing to protect citizens’ rights and ensure a level playing field for all political partie
Excessive Use of Force: Lwemiyaga County MP, Theodore Ssekikubo, criticized the government’s decision to deploy the Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force (JATT) during the election campaign. He questioned why an elite counter-terrorism unit was involved in what should have been a civilian political event, fueling concerns over militarization in the electoral process.“Why send JATT to oversee a political campaign? The deployment of such a unit needs clarification,” Ssekikubo challenged. This concern points to a broader issue of whether security forces are becoming too involved in politics, threatening the fairness of the election process.
Lack of Support for Victims of Violence: Amuria District Woman Representative, Susan Amero, pointed out that while treatment costs for victims were covered, there was no mention of compensating those affected by the violence. Many of the victims are breadwinners, and the lack of support for their families exacerbates the suffering caused by the violence. Amero’s call for compensation underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing electoral violence and its aftermath.
Police Brutality and Accountability: Disturbing footage of police officers using excessive force, including gun butts and knives against unarmed civilians, has prompted calls for greater accountability. MPs like Amero and Bugabula South MP, Maurice Kibalya, have demanded that security forces be held accountable for their actions. Kibalya also highlighted footage of an officer pointing a gun at a woman sitting in her car, further emphasizing the need for oversight and proper training for security personnel during elections
As concerns continue to mount over the handling of elections in Uganda, the call for independent investigations into the actions of security forces is growing louder. Lawmakers and civil society organizations are urging the government to take tangible steps toward ensuring that the violence in Kawempe is thoroughly investigated, and those responsible are held accountable.
Commit to Transparency: Provide clear and detailed explanations about the deployment of security forces and the rationale behind using specialized units like JATT during civilian campaigns.
Ensure Accountability: Establish independent bodies to investigate incidents of police brutality and electoral violence, ensuring those responsible face appropriate consequences.
Support Victims of Violence: Implement comprehensive compensation programs for victims of election-related violence, especially those who are breadwinners with families depending on them. This would not only help the victims but also send a strong message that the government takes its responsibility for human rights seriously.
Promote Peaceful Campaigns: Strengthen efforts to prevent violence during elections by improving security protocols, offering better training for police officers, and encouraging political leaders to promote peaceful dialogue.
