By Mulengera Reporters
The Government Chief Whip, Hamson Obua, has revealed that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Parliamentary Caucus did not discuss the violence that has marred the Kawempe by-elections. Instead, he attributed the unrest to some Ugandans failing to cooperate with security forces in maintaining law and order.
Obua made these remarks while responding to journalists who asked whether the brutal incidents witnessed this week had been discussed during the NRM Caucus meeting at State House, Entebbe, on March 7, 2025. His response was a firm “No.”
“On the question of rule of law, someone asked if we discussed Kawempe. The answer is no,” Obua stated. “How are we going to mitigate the challenges we are facing? Fellow Ugandans, we are now over 45 million. The framers of our Constitution were very clear about the duty of every citizen—to cooperate with lawful agencies in maintaining law and order.”
He further argued that the ongoing violence was a result of citizens failing to fulfill their constitutional duties.
“The moment we fail to cooperate, we degenerate into what we are witnessing. I appeal to all countrymen and women: let us do the right thing at the right time and in the right place. Our Constitution clearly outlines our duties as Ugandan citizens. What we are seeing is a consequence of failing to comply,” Obua emphasized.
Minister Muhoozi Defends Security Forces
State Minister for Internal Affairs, David Muhoozi, has downplayed the violence, describing it as mere “skirmishes” between security forces and National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters. He further disclosed that some of those arrested would face charges related to the illegal use of military gear.
“Several incidents have been registered during the Kawempe North by-election activities. These include skirmishes between NUP supporters and security forces, leading to the arrest of 24 individuals. Those arrested face various charges, including the alleged illegal use of military gear. Their cases will be determined by the courts,” Muhoozi stated.
He also announced that the government plans to publish a list of official security uniforms and gear to curb unauthorized use by civilians.
“The Electoral Commission is also preparing to issue guidelines to all stakeholders regarding permissible conduct during this election. Our goal is to ensure a clean, transparent, and safe by-election in Kawempe North,” Muhoozi added.
Brutalized Journalist Discharged
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Industries, David Bahati, revealed that journalist Ibrahim Miracle, who was brutally beaten by security forces while covering the by-election, has been discharged from the hospital.
“I visited Miracle, a journalist from Top TV. He was injured, underwent minor facial surgery, but thankfully, his eye was saved. He is out of danger and was discharged yesterday,” Bahati said.
He further assured that the government would cover Miracle’s medical bills and look into his complaint regarding a damaged camera.
“We have agreed with the Ministry of Internal Affairs that the government will clear his hospital bill. We extend our sympathies and continue to pray for him,” Bahati stated.
MPs Condemn Police Brutality
Several MPs expressed outrage over the government’s response, condemning security forces for their violent crackdown and the lack of accountability for the perpetrators.
Theodore Ssekikubo (Lwemiyaga County) criticized the government’s silence on police brutality and the deployment of the Joint Anti-Terrorist Task Force (JATT) during a civilian electoral exercise.
“When we see what is happening in Kawempe, it leaves us deeply disturbed. The Minister is simply saying what people want to hear, instead of addressing the reality. Why was JATT deployed for a by-election? Who authorized it, and why?” Ssekikubo asked.
Rose Obigah (Terego DWR) warned that NRM’s actions were alienating voters.
“If NRM is to get any votes in Kawempe, they will be skeletal. The community is bleeding! Why have we militarized an election? What are we afraid of? Why are we turning elections into war?” she asked.
She also castigated Minister Bahati for failing to mention compensation for the injured journalist.
“The media is the fourth estate, yet it has lost an eye! It’s one thing to cover medical bills, but can you imagine the pain of someone who almost lost their sight?” Obigah remarked.
Susan Amero (Amuria DWR) echoed these concerns, arguing that the government must compensate Miracle since his injuries threaten his livelihood.
“The Minister spoke about covering medical bills, but what about compensating the victim? He is a breadwinner. How will his family survive if he is incapacitated?” Amero questioned.
Henry Kibalya (Bugabula South) demanded that the government take responsibility for restoring public trust.
“Every rational Ugandan is asking: How did we get here? Why are armed officers pointing guns at civilians inside their cars? Who is in charge of these campaigns? Minister, your statement offers no reassurance—it suggests that what’s happening is normal, and that’s unacceptable!” Kibalya argued.
Former journalist Joyce Bagala (Mityana DWR) called out the growing trend of journalist brutality, warning that Miracle’s case was not an isolated incident.
“The rate at which journalists are being brutalized is alarming. Miracle is just one of many. The government often offers compensation—buys a new camera, pays medical bills—but what about the broader issue? When will this stop?” Bagala asked.
NUP MPs Remanded
On the same day that violence erupted in Kawempe, Makindye East MP Derrick Nyeko was granted bail, while Muwada Nkunyingi and 33 other NUP supporters were remanded to Luzira Prison.
They were charged with common nuisance and malicious damage to property before the Kanyanya Magistrates Court, where they pleaded not guilty.
Their lawyer, Medard Lubega Sseggona, condemned the court’s decision to jail opposition supporters while security officers who brutalized civilians remain free.
“For how long will security forces take the law into their own hands and walk away unpunished? Police are meant to uphold law and order, yet they are the ones using gun butts and knives against unarmed citizens. What are we becoming?” Sseggona questioned.
He also vowed legal action against JATT officers caught on camera torturing NUP supporters.
As the Kawempe by-election unfolds, concerns over state brutality, electoral fairness, and government accountability continue to dominate public discourse. While the government insists on maintaining order, critics argue that the militarization of the election process is deepening political tensions and eroding public confidence in Uganda’s democratic institutions.
The coming days will determine whether the government upholds its promise of a “clean, transparent, and safe” election—or if Kawempe becomes yet another battleground for political repression-Parliament Watch. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
