At the Kazo Angola polling station, two National Unity Platform (NUP) Members of Parliament, Geofrey Kayemba Ssolo (Bukomansimbi South) and Hillary Kiyaga (Mawokota North) were forcefully arrested and taken away by security operatives.
The arrests which occurred in broad daylight sparked chaos as journalists covering the scene were brutally assaulted.
Security personnel not only beat up reporters but also smashed cameras and confiscated recording equipment in what appears to be a deliberate attempt to suppress coverage of the controversial Kawempe North by-election.
Eyewitnesses report that Kayemba Ssolo and Kiyaga were actively monitoring the election process when security operatives descended on them. Opposition figures have alleged that their detention is part of a wider scheme to intimidate NUP supporters and influence the election outcome.
“I was talking to people who had not voted when UPDF soldiers arrived in two patrol vehicles and started arresting some people. When some of the security operatives saw the camera, they came and attacked me, beating me with sticks and even damaging my camera. I ran into a nearby building but since they had already identified me, I removed my press jacket and scarf and ran into a toilet for safety.” one of NMG-U journalists, Hasifah Nanvuma.
Journalists who had positioned themselves to document the arrests became the next targets. Reports indicate that multiple media personnel were physically attacked with their equipment either damaged or seized.
The brutality raises serious concerns about press freedom and the lengths to which security forces are willing to go to control the narrative around the election.
The assault on journalists and opposition figures points to a coordinated operation by security agencies. The pattern of harassment against the media suggests an orchestrated effort to silence critical reporting on election irregularities.
Despite the presence of Electoral Commission officials at the polling station there was no intervention to protect press freedom or opposition representatives.
The events at Kazo Angola polling station add to growing fears that the Kawempe North by-election is anything but free and fair. With opposition figures being arrested and journalists silenced, the credibility of the process is now under scrutiny.
