The Youth State Minister Balaam Barugahara has ignited a storm of controversy after claiming that members of the National Unity Platform (NUP) disguised themselves in Joint Anti-Terrorist Task Force (JATT) uniforms and orchestrated chaos during the recent Kawempe North by-election.
Speaking to the press, the minister further alleged that the arrest of MP-elect Elias Nalukoola during the nomination process was not political suppression but rather a precautionary measure to protect him from NUP supporters who he claims had plotted to harm him.
Barugahara’s remarks made during a press briefing have sent shockwaves through Uganda’s political landscape raising serious questions about the transparency of the by-election and the role of security forces.
His assertion that opposition supporters impersonated security personnel is not only unprecedented but also fuels the already heated debate about state interference in elections and the conduct of Uganda’s political opposition.
NUP leaders have swiftly dismissed these claims, calling them “a desperate attempt to justify election malpractice.” Joel Ssenyonyi the party spokesperson fired back accusing the government of weaponizing security agencies to intimidate and suppress political opponents.
“This is the same old script blame the victims while covering up the real perpetrators of electoral fraud,” he said.
Kawempe North by-election held on March 13 has been marred by allegations of voter suppression, arrests and a heavy security presence.
Nalukoola’s arrest sparked outrage among opposition members who decried it as a blatant act of political repression.
However, Minister Barugahara insists that the security operation was in Nalukoola’s best interest claiming that intelligence reports indicated a potential threat to his life from within his own party’s ranks.
While the allegations remain unverified, they add to the growing political tension in Uganda where accusations of electoral fraud and state violence have become common.
The big question now is whether the government will provide concrete evidence to support Barugahara’s claims or if this will be seen as yet another attempt to discredit the opposition ahead of the 2026 general elections.
