Violence erupted in Kawempe earlier today as National Unity Platform (NUP) leadership and supporters clashed with security forces while heading to Kawempe Muslim Primary School playground for a campaign rally in support of Elias Nalukoola the party’s flagbearer in Kawempe North MP by-election.
The confrontation quickly escalated into a chaotic standoff with security personnel (JATT) beating and arresting several individuals turning what was meant to be a political gathering into a scene of unrest.
What started as a peaceful march quickly spiraled into a violent confrontation. NUP leaders and supporters were making their way to the designated campaign venue when they were met by a heavy deployment of security operatives who allegedly blocked their route.
Heated exchanges ensued with NUP members accusing security forces of deliberately suppressing their political activities.
Eyewitnesses report that as tensions rose security forces responded with brute force firing tear gas and physically assaulting some members of the crowd.
In the chaos several NUP supporters were arrested, though the exact number remains unclear.
While security officials have not yet given an official statement on the reasons for the crackdown, it follows a pattern of heavy-handed responses to opposition gatherings.
NUP, led by Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine) has repeatedly accused the government of using security forces to stifle their activities, especially in elections.
In contrast, government officials often justify such interventions as “enforcement of public order” claiming opposition groups sometimes defy electoral regulations and security guidelines.
However, opposition argue that similar restrictions are rarely imposed on ruling party candidates fueling allegations of political bias and selective enforcement of the law.
This is not the first time NUP rallies have faced violent dispersals. Over the years, opposition gatherings in Uganda have been frequently met with tear gas, arrests and sometimes even fatal violence.
Today’s events in Kawempe are a grim reminder of the shrinking space for political expression in the country.
With the by-election drawing closer, this violent clash is likely to raise more political tensions.
