ULS decries brutal violence in Kawempe By-election, wants ‘Rule of Law’ upheld

Kampala, (UG):- The Uganda Law Society (ULS) has strongly condemned the escalating violence and human rights violations in the ongoing campaigns for the Kawempe North by-election, calling on security forces to uphold the rule of law and democratic principles.

On 3rd March 2025, media reports and footage showed security forces, including the Uganda Police Force, the Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force (JATT), the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, and plainclothes operatives brutalizing supporters of the National Unity Platform with beatings, live bullets, and tear gas.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, March 6, from ULS Headquarters in Kololo, ULS Vice President Anthony Asiimwe decried the excessive use of force by security agencies saying “Such acts of intimidation and lawlessness not only threaten the integrity of the electoral process but also erode public trust in the rule of law and democratic governance.”

The ULS VP further reminded security agencies of their constitutional duty to uphold the rights of all Ugandans and called upon the Electoral Commission to take a firm stand against electoral violence. “Article 69(1) of the 1995 Constitution of Uganda guarantees Ugandans the right to choose and adopt a political system of their choice through free and fair elections,” Asiimwe stated, warning that if such violations are occurring during a by-election, the implications for the 2026 general elections are deeply concerning.

“The Uganda Law Society calls upon the Uganda Police Force and other security agencies to desist from the use of excessive force and ensure that law and order are maintained in a manner that respects human rights and the rule of law,” he emphasized.

“We also call upon the Electoral Commission to take a firm stand against electoral violence and ensure a fair and transparent electoral process in line with its constitutional mandate.”

The Radical New Bar pledged to take legal action against those responsible for the injustices. “ULS will not stand by as democratic principles are trampled upon. We will receive complaints from all victims without discrimination and actively pursue legal action against those responsible,” he concluded.

At the same Press Briefing, NUP’s former aspirant in the Kawempe North by-election, Mr. Magala Umar, also condemned the brutality meted out on opposition supporters and journalists. “I’m here to join my voice to that of the Vice-President and members of the Uganda Law Society to condemn the violence, the mayhem, the battering, and all the ill that is being inflicted on us as NUP members,” he stated.

Magala recounted incidents of violence, including the alleged abduction of Nalukoola’s official agent, Sir Ray Charles, on the morning of February 26. He also pointed to several cases of journalists being attacked, including NTV’s Stephen Kibwika, who was reportedly forced to erase footage of security brutality, and Top TV’s Ibrahim Miracle, who sustained a severe eye injury after being assaulted by security forces.

“The people responsible for keeping law and order are the very ones violating the rights of citizens,” Magala lamented, accusing security agencies of openly aiding the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) candidate while brutally suppressing opposition rallies.

“It is really double standards that the police and military only escorted the NRM candidate peacefully while our supporters were subjected to tear gas, beatings, and arrests.”

He further revealed that over 50 NUP supporters had been seriously injured, with some requiring hospitalization. “There is total bloodshed in Kawempe,” he said.

“We call upon the public, the Electoral Commission, and all concerned parties to act. If they do not want us to participate in these elections, they should come out and declare it rather than subjecting us to this brutality.”