Where Is Gen. Otafiire? Fireworks in Uganda as Ugandans Demand to Know His Whereabouts

The political temperature in Uganda has risen following the violent incidents that marred the Kawempe North by-election.

Political analyst Joseph Ochieno has questioned the silence of key government officials, particularly Ministers Jacob Oboth Oboth, Chris Baryomunsi, and Gen. Kahinda Otafiire, as well as the Inspector General of Police (IGP), regarding the brutal attacks on journalists by security forces.

Reports indicate that security operatives, including soldiers, allegedly assaulted multiple journalists covering the highly contested election.

Videos circulating online show members of the press being manhandled, their equipment confiscated, and some detained without explanation. This has sparked public outrage, with many demanding accountability from top government officials.

"Where are the Ministers? Where is the IGP? Why have they remained silent as journalists are beaten during a by-election?" Ochieno posed.

His statement has fueled speculation about whether the brutal incidents were sanctioned by the state or if the security forces acted independently.

Ugandans have taken to social media, questioning why Gen. Otafiire, the Minister of Internal Affairs, has not addressed the chaos.

As a senior government official responsible for law enforcement, his silence has raised eyebrows, with some interpreting it as an admission of guilt by the authorities.

Meanwhile, opposition leaders have condemned the crackdown, describing it as a calculated move to suppress free speech and intimidate voters.

LINK: https://x.com/ntvuganda/status/1900416425434472557

Human rights organizations have also weighed in, calling for investigations and immediate action against those responsible for the attacks.