FORUM FOR DEMOCRATIC CHANGE (FDC) CONDEMNS SECURITY BRUTALITY IN KAWEMPE NORTH BY-ELECTION

As your aware, Last week, Electoral Commission finalized the process of nomination of Parliamentary aspirants for Kawempe North By-election to fill the vacuum that was created by the death of Hon. Muhammad Ssegirinya. The exercise was conducted by Kampala District Returning Officer Mr. Henry Makabayi, Despite the successful nomination of our Party flag bearers, Mukiibi Sadat (aka Khalifa Aga Naga) and Ssebunya Sharif for Kawempe North Parliamentary bi election and Kazo -Angola ward Councillor position respectively, the day turned violent when security forces intercepted and brutalized supporters of Mukiibi Sadat while en route to the nomination venue.

 

The Party received multiple reports of violence against our supporters, as regime security operatives deployed drones to target our leaders, comrades, and Journalists documenting the scenes. Several of our leaders, including Councilor Ngobi Edris, Kiirya Ngobi, Kavuma Moses, Nvanungi Richard and Kintu John were abducted and detained at Kawempe Police Station where they slept a night, while in detention, they faced maltreatment before being released on police bond the following day.

 

Additionally, Kabonge Fredrick, an FDC member was injured in a boda boda accident caused by JATT violence and is currently receiving medical attention at Joel Medical Centre. Journalist Ibrahim Miracle from Top Tv was severely injured in the eye after being brutalized by JAAT operatives. He was operated at Nsambya Hospital.

 

We in the FDC strongly condemns the brutal actions of joint security forces, comprising Uganda Police, Military Police, ISO, SFC and JATT operatives, during the nomination process for the Kawempe North parliamentary by-election. The high handedness wasn’t necessary at all.

 

The FDC demands action against the errant security officers involved in this operation and emphasizes that the Kawempe bi-election should not be treated as a military operation. The Electoral Commission’s roadmap for the by-election emphasized the importance of a peaceful and fair process, which was blatantly disregarded.

 

We question the role of the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JATT) in providing security during this by-election. Is there a terror threat in this impending election?

 

We urges the Electoral Commission to take immediate action to ensure the integrity of the electoral process and the safety of opposition candidates and their supporters.

 

Thank You

 

John Kikonyogo

FDC SPOKEPERSON