The Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) has condemned the acts of violence, intimidation, and human rights abuses that tainted the Kawempe North Constituency by-election held on March 13, 2025.
The condemnation follows a detailed monitoring exercise conducted by the Commission, in line with its constitutional mandate under Article 52 (1)(h) and (2) of the Constitution of Uganda.
In a statement signed by Hon. Lamex Omara Apitta on behalf of the Chairperson, the UHRC expressed deep concern over multiple violations committed during the electoral process, including the intimidation of voters and electoral officials, violence against journalists, and a heavy-handed security deployment that created a climate of fear.
According to the UHRC, the electoral process commenced peacefully across several areas in the Kawempe North Constituency.
The Commission deployed teams to observe proceedings in 67 out of 197 polling stations, covering key parishes such as Bwaise I, Kawempe I, Kawempe II, Komamboga, Mpererwe, Kyebando, Kanyanya, and Kazo Angola.
In the early hours of the day, polling stations opened on time, materials arrived punctually, and voting began in an orderly manner, consistent with guidelines from the Electoral Commission.
However, this calm was short-lived.
By midday, tensions began to escalate following a noticeable increase in military and security presence at polling stations.
Although the Uganda Police Force (UPF) and military officials cited security and prevention of electoral violence as justification, the UHRC noted that the deployment had an opposite effect on the ground.
The Commission noted with concern the “enhanced military presence” that began to emerge in several polling areas.
While some citizens, particularly in traditionally volatile zones, welcomed the additional security, others, particularly opposition supporters, expressed fear and intimidation.
“The involvement of the military in civil electoral processes should be restricted to situations where the Uganda Police Force is overwhelmed,” the statement emphasized.
“The mere presence of armed personnel can create anxiety and erode the sense of safety required for citizens to freely exercise their democratic rights.”
Eyewitnesses told UHRC observers that soldiers were seen questioning voters near polling stations, and some residents alleged that plain-clothed security operatives hovered around certain stations, watching closely and engaging in sporadic verbal confrontations with polling assistants.
Perhaps the most alarming event of the day occurred at Kazo Angola polling station, where seven journalists from prominent media houses including NBS, NTV, Spark TV, Salt Media, and the Daily Monitor were allegedly assaulted by security officers.
The UHRC received reports that these journalists were physically attacked, arrested, and had their equipment, including cameras and mobile phones, confiscated or destroyed.
Some journalists were reportedly targeted for filming confrontations between security operatives and members of the public.
In addition to physical assault, several journalists reported facing verbal abuse and threats meant to deter them from further coverage.
The affected media personnel later filed formal complaints at Kawempe Police Station, and while investigations have been initiated, the UHRC has demanded swift and impartial action.
“Such conduct constitutes a grave violation of press freedom,” the UHRC declared.
“Harassment and violence against journalists not only undermine independent reporting but also compromise the transparency of the electoral process and erode public trust.”
In a further affront to democratic norms, the UHRC documented multiple instances where Electoral Commission officials were harassed by security personnel.
These included cases where polling agents were reportedly instructed to “cut short” voting hours or coerced into altering tally sheets.
Such interference, the Commission warned, undermines the independence of the Electoral Commission and casts doubt on the credibility of the entire process.
“Electoral officers must be allowed to carry out their constitutional responsibilities without fear or coercion,” Hon. Apitta stressed in the statement.
The UHRC also observed a series of confrontations between security personnel, public officials, and voters.
In some polling stations, scuffles broke out, prompting the dispersal of voters and even temporary closure of polling stations.
These confrontations, the Commission noted, may have directly contributed to the alarmingly low voter turnout, reported at just 14%.
In a constituency known for high political engagement, such a decline was attributed to fear, confusion, and frustration.
“The right to vote is guaranteed under Article 59 of the Constitution of Uganda and Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR),” the statement emphasized.
“When voters are discouraged or frightened away from the polls, that right is effectively denied.”
In response to these troubling developments, the Uganda Human Rights Commission issued a series of urgent and actionable recommendations to relevant authorities:Protection of Media Freedom, Accountability for Rights Violations, Respect for Electoral Independence and Restoration of Public Confidence.
“The Commission will continue to investigate these incidents and engage with relevant institutions to ensure that accountability is realized and human rights are protected in future elections,” Hon. Apitta concluded.
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