A violent storm of chaos erupted in Kawempe North as security forces clashed with National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters during a tense by-election leaving 24 arrested including MPs Hon. Nyeko Derrick, Hon. Nkunyingi and a journalist, Miracle Ibra severely injured while documenting the chaos.
The government through ministers David Bahati and Gen. David Muhoozi, has pledged to cover Ibra’s medical expenses raising fresh debates on press freedom, state violence and electoral integrity.
The Kawempe North by-election was supposed to be a democratic process yet it rapidly ascended into a battleground.
With opposition strongholds under heightened surveillance, police forces moved in with full force, detaining opposition figures Hon. Nyeko Derrick and Hon. Nkunyingi, among others.
The government through Internal Affairs Minister Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Kahinda Otafiire insists that security forces acted to restore order after reports of unlawful activity.
Authorities claim that those arrested were in possession of illegal military gears including rank insignias and NUP-branded overalls and berets.
But opposition supporters argue that the so called ‘unlawful activity’ was merely political mobilization and the heavy-handed response was an attempt to intimidate voters in one of Uganda’s most pro-opposition constituencies.
Vehicles including a Mercedes-Benz, a Range Rover and even an ambulance were seized under unclear circumstances fueling speculation of targeted repression.
In the heat of this political inferno, a journalist Miracle Ibra found himself in the wrong place at the worst possible time.
While politicians trade accusations, the attack on a journalist Miracle Ibra has sent shockwaves through Uganda’s media landscape.
Covering the chaos as it unfolded, Ibra became a victim himself sustaining severe injuries in the violence.
The government has since pledged to foot his medical bills a move opposition argue is an attempt to placate the growing outrage rather than address the root cause of journalist safety in Uganda.
Minister Gen. David Muhoozi defended the security forces claiming their actions were necessary to maintain peace and order during the highly volatile election.
He insisted that those arrested had violated electoral and security laws. Yet opposition members decried the arrests as politically motivated and accused the government of orchestrating an attack on democracy.
With opposition voices growing louder the issue has now escalated beyond a single by-election, it has become a national discussion on governance, human rights and freedom of the press.
Meanwhile, opposition leaders have condemned the violence labeling it a blatant attack on democracy.
NUP supporters argue that the state’s response is a desperate attempt to crush the opposition’s momentum.
With the arrests of prominent MPs and security forces actively patrolling the constituency, tensions in Kawempe North are at a boiling point.
