Members of Parliament have criticised security agencies for their interference and excessive force used in the campaigns of the Kawempe North by-election raising concerns about electoral violence and the state’s approach to democracy.
The condemnation of the actions of the security forces followed a statement by the Minister of State for Internal Affairs, David Muhoozi to Parliament on March 6, 2025 following the brutality unleashed on people in the ongoing campaigns.
Muhoozi’s statement came after reports detailing skirmishes between security forces and supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP) resulting in 24 arrests, including two Members of Parliament and brutalising of a journalist.
Muhoozi said that those detained would be presented in court, and any reported excesses would be thoroughly investigated and addressed.
He reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring a clean and safe election in support of the Electoral Commission (EC) but warned that Ugandans should mind what they do.
“We were all treated to that video of people in military formations, and I knew it would attract consequences, both intended and unintended. Moving forward, we must engage with security and all relevant players to ensure credible electoral processes,” he said.
Additionally, the Minister of State for Trade Industries and Cooperatives (Industries), David Bahati briefed the House that he visited the journalist, Miracle Ibrahim who was injured by the security officers and pledged government support towards the medical bills.
“It is true he was injured and there were some limited operations on his face. The good thing is that his eye, according to the doctor, was saved. He is out of danger as we speak, and he has been discharged yesterday, and on behalf of government, I promised that we are going to clear the bills,” Bahati said.
Members of Parliament however, expressed concern over the state of affairs in the elections.
Kalungu West MP, Joseph Ssewungu criticised the handling of opposition politicians by the security forces.
“We are having soldiers beating civilians with no sufficient cause. If I am wearing an overall which is red in colour, but it’s having national colours, what offence have I committed?’ he said.
Theodore Ssekikubo (NRM, Lwemiyaga County, Ssembabule) questioned the deployment of the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JATT) in the electoral process.
Amuria District Woman Representative, Hon. Susan Amero called for compensation for the injured journalist.
“I heard the minister talk about payment of treatment bills, but I didn’t hear him talk about compensating the person who was harmed, because this is a breadwinner in his home,” she stated.
Agnes Amede (Indep., Butebo District Woman Representative) expressed concerns over the unfair treatment of civilians by the security agencies.
“I stand to protest the manner in which security handles civilians in certain situations. Because I was a victim of that during elections. It does not matter what party you belong to, but it matters how the state security conducts themselves,” she said.
Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa called for a thorough investigation into the conduct of the security forces.
“I would have loved, for example, in the case of the journalist, who was not part of people who made the parade and all that, to see a commitment from you investigating your officers, coming out clearly,” Tayebwa added.
Muhoozi, acknowledged the need to investigate potential excesses by security forces.
“It’s true, in all this, there are always innocent bystanders. If I can, I wouldn’t want to infer the guilt of the others, but certainly, we shall verify, even reaching out to the journalist, and find out how he was injured, who was responsible, and then we take appropriate action,” he said.
Bugabula County South MP, Maurice Kibalya questioned the state of electoral security.
“Every rightful thinking Ugandan is asking, how did we reach here? What has caused this?” Restore hope in Ugandans, and say maybe it is regrettable, this was uncalled for, we are investigating, we are going to do something better,” he said.
Obigah (standing) expressed fears about the excess brutality by the security agencies
Rose Obigah (NRM, Terego District Woman Representative) criticised the militarisation of elections.
“Why have we decided to militarise something which is for civilians? What is your fear? Why have we decided to make elections to appear as it’s war?” she asked.
Bosco Okiror (NRM, Usuk County, Katakwi) lamented the state of security in Uganda, drawing comparisons to the past instability.
“The memories of 1980s, 86 to 90, we have been victims. We have been IDPs. You go to Teso, you are terrorised by the illegal guns there, the wars there. But I am surprised, that in this day and era now, we thought we would run to Kampala for refuge. But now the way things are being done, in broad daylight, it’s not at night,” he said.
