The Ugandan government has confirmed the arrest of 24 individuals, including Members of Parliament Hon. Nyeko Derrick and Hon. Nkunyingi, following incidents related to the ongoing Kawempe North by-election campaigns.
In a statement presented to Parliament by Gen David Muhoozi on behalf of Minister of Internal Affairs Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire, authorities cited breaches of the law, particularly the alleged illegal use of military gear.
According to the statement, security forces engaged in skirmishes with supporters of the National Unity Platform (NUP), resulting in the mass arrests.
Those taken into custody were presented in court on March 4, 2025, and subsequently remanded as investigations continue.
Details of the Arrests
The list of arrested individuals includes:
- Ndaula Ronald
- Ssegawa Vincent
- Kakoza Kato David
- Ssekyanzi Farouk
- Sharon
- Namukwaya Hellen
- Kamugyire Deus
- Namuli Irene
- Waswa Alex Luazi
- Kiyaga Umar
- Sserugaya Godfrey
- Magezi Joshua
- Kyali Charles
- Balyaaza Ronald
- Nalyeso Lydia
- Kyakumba Robert
- Bugembe Denis
- Sseka Sharif
- Asega Habib Togo
- Hon. Nyeko Derrick
- Hon. Nkunyingi
- Ssemogere Elias
- Katende Hassan
- Kiwanuka Amir
The detained individuals face accusations related to illegal possession of military gear and other infractions, although specific charges will be determined by the courts.
In addition to the arrests, law enforcement also impounded five motor vehicles, including a Mercedes Benz (UBR 072P), a Range Rover (UBH 773F), and an ambulance (UBK 539J).
Authorities have not yet disclosed whether these vehicles were directly linked to the alleged criminal activities or simply seized as part of the broader security operation.
Items Confiscated by Police
Police confirmed they had confiscated various items believed to be associated with the arrested individuals. These include:
- Red overalls with NUP badges
- Rank insignia for ‘Lieutenant General’ and ‘Major General’ belonging to Hon. Nyeko
- One NUP red beret
- One shield
The presence of military-style insignia among the confiscated items has raised concerns about the alleged use of security-related paraphernalia by civilians.
The government has proposed publishing a list of gazetted uniforms and gear strictly reserved for the military and other security forces to curb any further illegal use.
Government’s Justification for the Arrests
In his statement, Minister Otafiire assured Parliament that the arrests were conducted within the confines of the law.
“Where there are infractions, there are legal processes in place to bring individuals to account. It is the law that for one to be charged with a criminal offense, the charge and the punishment must be expressly provided for in written law,” he said.
He further explained that charges would be preferred according to the law, and courts would determine the cases.
Additionally, the government pledged to ensure that all stakeholders in the electoral process, including the Electoral Commission, would receive guidance on lawful conduct during the campaigns.
Concerns Over Electoral Transparency
The government has reiterated its commitment to a peaceful, free, and fair electoral process in Kawempe North.
“The government intends to ensure a clean, transparent, and safe by-election in Kawempe North Constituency,” the minister stated.
However, opposition figures and human rights activists have raised concerns over what they perceive as an attempt to stifle opposition activities ahead of the election.
Observers note that this is not the first time arrests have occurred during opposition-led activities.
The NUP, led by Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), has often been at loggerheads with security agencies, with several of its supporters facing arrests in past political engagements.
Next Steps
Authorities have confirmed that investigations into the arrested individuals are ongoing and that any excesses by security personnel will be investigated and dealt with accordingly.
The detainees remain in custody as they await further legal proceedings.
Meanwhile, political analysts suggest that these developments could have broader implications on the by-election, particularly regarding voter turnout and campaign strategies.
The opposition is expected to challenge the arrests, calling for the unconditional release of their supporters and members.
The situation in Kawempe North remains tense as both security forces and political actors brace for the next phase of the election process.
The government’s actions in handling the aftermath of these arrests will be closely watched by the public and the international community alike.
