'These Are Just Skirmishes' – Minister Muhoozi Downplays Kawempe Election Violence

Lawmakers and civil society groups are now calling for independent investigations and accountability for security forces involved in the violence

The government has announced that some civilians arrested during the recent violence at a Kawempe by-election campaign rally will be charged with illegal use of military gear, while also vowing to deliver “clean,” “transparent,” and safe elections in the area.

However, David Muhoozi, Minister of State for Internal Affairs, has sparked controversy by downplaying the brutality witnessed during the rally, describing the violent clashes as mere “skirmishes.”

A skirmish is a brief and usually unplanned fight or conflict, often involving small groups rather than full-scale battles.

The word is commonly used to downplay the severity of a violent confrontation, implying that it was minor or not a major clash.

In the context of the Kawempe North by-election, Minister David Muhoozi’s description of the violence as skirmishes suggests an attempt to minimize the scale of the clashes between security forces and NUP supporters, despite reports of arrests, injuries, and the use of tear gas.

His statement has drawn sharp criticism from Members of Parliament, who accuse security forces of excessive force and the government of failing to ensure a free and fair electoral process.

Lwemiyaga County MP, Theodore Ssekikubo, raised concerns over the deployment of the Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force (JATT) during the election campaign, questioning why an elite counter-terrorism unit was involved in a civilian political event.

“When the official campaign exercise was announced, the government chose to deploy JATT. Why? Minister, you could tell the country who deployed them and why?” Ssekikubo challenged

Amuria District Woman Representative, Susan Amero, condemned the security forces’ actions, questioning why victims of the violence were not being compensated.

“I heard the Minister talk about paying treatment bills, but I didn’t hear him talk about compensating the victims. These are breadwinners with families depending on them. How long will security forces continue taking the law into their hands and walk away free?” Amero asked.

She also criticized the police for using excessive force, describing reports of officers using gun butts and knives against unarmed civilians as unacceptable.

Bugabula South MP, Maurice Kibalya, pointed to disturbing footage of security personnel allegedly threatening civilians, including an incident where an officer was seen pointing a gun at a woman sitting in her car.

“Every rightful-thinking Ugandan is asking, how did we reach here? Who is in charge of campaigns in this country? Minister Muhoozi, we want you to restore hope in Ugandans and say this is regrettable. But your statement makes it seem like everything is normal,” Kibalya said.

While Muhoozi assured Parliament that the government remains committed to a free and fair election, many MPs remain skeptical, arguing that actions on the ground tell a different story.

With elections in Uganda often marred by violence and intimidation, the events in Kawempe have reignited fears about state-backed repression ahead of future polls.

Lawmakers and civil society groups are now calling for independent investigations and accountability for security forces involved in the violence.

As tensions remain high, Muhoozi’s characterization of the violence as “just skirmishes” has only fueled further frustration, leaving many questioning whether free and fair elections are truly possible under the current climate