A chaotic scene unfolded in Kawempe, Uganda, yesterday as opposition party members Mukiibi Sadat and Ssebunya Sharif were officially nominated for the Kawempe North parliamentary by-election and Kazo-Angola ward councilor position, respectively. The nomination process, conducted by Kampala District Returning Officer Henry Makabayi, was marred by violence and brutality from joint security forces.
Supporters of Mukiibi Sadat were intercepted and attacked by security operatives en route to the nomination venue. Multiple reports of violence and intimidation surfaced, with regime security forces deploying drones to target and arrest opposition leaders, supporters, and journalists documenting the scene.
Several opposition leaders, including Councilor Ngobi Edris, Kiirya Ngobi, Kavuma Moses, Nvanungi Richard, and Kintu John, were abducted and detained at Kawempe Police Station. They were later released on police bond after facing maltreatment.
The violence also resulted in injuries to Kabonge Fredrick, an FDC member, who was involved in a boda-boda accident caused by JATT violence. He is currently receiving medical attention at Joel Medical Centre. Journalist Ibrahim Miracle from Top TV was severely injured in the eye after being brutalized by JATT operatives and is being hospitalized in critical condition.
The opposition party has strongly condemned the police and security brutality, demanding action against the errant security officers involved. They emphasize that the Kawempe bi-election should not be treated as a full-scale military operation to settle political scores.
