Democratic Party (DP) Secretary General Siranda Blacks Gerald has criticized security forces for their alleged brutality against opposition supporters during the ongoing Kawempe North Constituency by-election campaign.
Speaking at a press conference in Soroti City ahead of the DP delegates’ conference scheduled for March 5-7, 2025, Siranda expressed concern over the heavy deployment of security personnel in the constituency, questioning their impartiality in the electoral process.
Siranda condemned the reported excessive use of force against National Unity Platform (NUP) members, arguing that such actions undermine democratic principles.
He emphasized the importance of dialogue in political engagements, stating, “The world over, people engage. And sometimes you must appreciate that dialogue is a process where there are two people. You must hear each other.”
He further asserted that security agencies should facilitate a free and fair electoral process rather than intimidate voters and opposition candidates.
The DP Secretary General suggested that security forces might be acting in favor of specific candidates, raising concerns about electoral fairness.
“I disagree with the way the police are treating candidates. It is as if the police are also paid to promote certain candidates. This cannot be done in a modern Uganda,” Siranda remarked.
His concerns reflect growing criticism from opposition figures who claim that state security organs often interfere in elections to suppress opposition participation.
Siranda warned that the manner in which security forces are handling the Kawempe by-election could be indicative of what to expect in the 2026 general elections.
“When I went to Kawempe, I saw a lot of army men. In fact, they were more than the police. And the law says during elections, the police take charge. The army can only be called in when the police fail. I was asking myself: has the police failed? Why do we have the army? Why do we have JATT (Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force)? Have we proven that this is JATT? These are questions we must ask,” Siranda added.
The Kawempe North Parliamentary seat became vacant following the death of the former representative, Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya, on January 9, 2025.
In accordance with constitutional requirements, the Electoral Commission (EC) has scheduled the by-election for March 13, 2025.
The nomination of candidates was conducted between February 26 and 27, 2025, with campaigns running from February 28 to March 11, 2025.
Several individuals have expressed interest in contesting for the Kawempe North MP seat in the upcoming by-election.
Among the aspirants are Moses Ali Jjemba, an NRM cadre and resident of Mbogo Village; Elias Luyimbaazi Nalukoola, a prominent city lawyer seeking the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket; Salim Serunkuuma, a businessman and former candidate; Mathias Mulumba, also known as Kikumi Kya Doola, the LC1 chairman of Corner Zone; and Onemus Mutumba.
Others include Tom Fisher Kasenge and Juliet Namale from the NRM party, as well as Umar Magala, Muhamood Mutazindwa, and Kulya Soul Zziwa, who are vying for the NUP ticket.
Additionally, Alex Luwemba, the former aide to the late MP Ssegirinya, has also expressed interest.
Siranda urged the Electoral Commission to take full charge of the by-election and ensure that all candidates are given equal opportunities to present their ideas to the electorate.
He warned against an election based on fear, rumors, or protests, instead advocating for an informed voting process where voters choose representatives based on merit.
“We want the people of Kawempe not to vote in a rumor. We want the people of Kawempe not to vote just in protest, but they should be given an opportunity to listen to all candidates and then vote based on who is going to represent them best,” he advised.
The DP leader reiterated the opposition’s right to mobilize and campaign freely under the multi-party system.
“Under a multi-party dispensation, all of us should be allowed to mobilize. We have rights as politicians, but there are also obligations. What has been the obligation from our side?” he questioned.
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