Tensions Rise in Parliament as Opposition MPs Confront Minister Over Kawempe By-Election Violence

The violence during the Kawempe North by-election has led to a heated debate in Parliament, with opposition MPs challenging government officials over the role of security forces in the unrest.

The government has distanced itself from the actions of security operatives, claiming these were not state-sanctioned. David Bahati, the Minister of Trade and Industry, speaking on behalf of the government, stated that those responsible for harming citizens during the election should be held accountable.

"There is no state sponsored violence in these elections," Bahati emphasized, and assured Parliament that measures would be taken to prevent further violence.

Opposition MPs, led by Mathias Mpuuga (Nyendo-Mukungwe), strongly criticized the government's response. Mpuuga rejected Bahati's statement, saying many individuals accused of violence in previous elections had been promoted instead of punished.

"From the last elections, those who committed crimes against citizens have never been brought to book," Mpuuga said, referring to the case of journalist Ashraf Kasirye, who was shot during the 2021 elections. Mpuuga pointed out that the assailant had been promoted despite the seriousness of the incident.

Mpuuga warned that the violence during the Kawempe by-election could be a preview of what Uganda might experience in the 2026 elections.

He questioned the military’s presence at a by-election, stating, "There is no rational explanation for the presence of the military in a by-election," and criticized the weakened Electoral Commission for not being able to act independently.

According to Mpuuga, the violence in Kawempe reflects a broader pattern of impunity and illegality in Uganda's political system.

He also expressed concern about the potential long-term effects of normalising violence in Uganda’s elections. "As long as you have power and are powerful, you can get away with murder," he said.

Other MPs, including Joseph Ssewungu, supported Mpuuga’s concerns. Ssewungu described the events in Kawempe as disturbing and raised questions about the improper treatment of those arrested.

"Arresting members, beating them first, and taking them without sufficient cause is improper," Ssewungu said, also questioning whether the Electoral Commission still had control over the by-elections.

Betty Nambooze criticized the actions of security forces, particularly the arrests of people wearing red attire, which had been used as a reason for detentions during the election campaign.

"Is there any written law stating that red attire is now the uniform of a particular organization or government body?" Nambooze asked.

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