A police truck and a vehicle belonging to National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Elias Nalukoola Luyimbazi lay in wreckage along Gayaza Road in Kawempe Division after violent clashes erupted between police and opposition supporters.
The March 13 by-election for Kawempe North has turned into a battleground with security forces using live bullets and tear gas to block NUP’s final campaign rally in Komamboga.
Nalukoola was arrested, several supporters detained and at least one person reportedly injured as chaos engulfed the streets.
The highly contested by-election took a dramatic turn when police intercepted Nalukoola’s convoy preventing him and his supporters from reaching Komamboga for their last rally.
The situation escalated into a violent standoff with opposition supporters refusing to back down and security forces responding with forceful measures.
Videos from the scene show plumes of tear gas, gunfire echoing through the air and frantic crowds scattering.
In the aftermath, a police truck and Nalukoola’s car were left wrecked symbolizing the growing tensions between security forces and opposition figures.
Authorities claim that NUP supporters defied police orders and attempted to stage an unauthorized procession.
However, NUP officials argue that this is yet another deliberate suppression on opposition candidates preventing them from freely engaging with voters.
“The police are working as an extension of the regime to intimidate and suppress the opposition,” said NUP leader. “This is state-sponsored election rigging in broad daylight.”
This is not the first time opposition campaigns have faced brutal resistance. In previous elections similar suppression, arrests and violent dispersals have been reported raising serious concerns about Uganda’s electoral fairness.
While NRM candidates including President Museveni have campaigned freely, opposition figures continue to face restrictions fueling accusations of political bias within security forces.
With less than 48 hours to voting day, the arrest of Nalukoola and the violent clashes could significantly impact the election’s credibility.
