Two opposition MPs and multiple journalists are among those arrested during the ongoing Kawempe North by-election amid heavy military presence and reports of brutality by security operatives.
Bukomansimbi South MP Geofrey Kayemba Ssolo and Mawokota North MP Hillary Kiyaga, both members of the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), were apprehended at Kazo Angola polling station and swiftly taken away by security forces.
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Journalists covering the arrests were also targeted, with officers beating them, damaging cameras, and confiscating equipment. Several journalists, including Abubaker Lubowa, Raymond Tamale, Denis Kabugo, Francis Isano, and Hakim Wampamba, were detained inside a Toyota Hiace van, commonly referred to as a “drone” vehicle.
A journalist who witnessed the arrests reported: “They pointed guns at us and ordered us not to record anything.” Many media personnel have since fled polling stations, fearing what appears to be a deliberate crackdown by security forces.
“I was interviewing voters when UPDF soldiers arrived in two patrol vehicles and began arresting people. When they spotted my camera, they attacked me with sticks and destroyed it. I ran into a nearby building, removed my press jacket and scarf, and hid in a toilet for safety,” recounted Hasifah Nanvuma, a journalist with Nation Media Group (NMG-U).
The military has deployed armored vehicles, known as “mambas,” along with drones and heavily armed security personnel—both in uniform and plain clothes—especially around Kazo Angola.
The arrests come just hours after the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) issued a statement condemning the increasing violence against journalists.
“NAB strongly condemns the escalating assaults on journalists by security forces. These attacks, which have intensified in recent months, pose a serious threat to press freedom and undermine democracy. Journalists must be allowed to carry out their duties without fear of harassment, intimidation, or physical harm,” the statement read.
Since February 26, when nominations for the by-election began following the death of former MP Muhammad Ssegirinya in January, at least three journalists have been assaulted by security forces. Victims include Miracle Ibrah of Top TV, Spark TV cameraman Steven Kibwiika, and NTV’s Stephen Mbidde.
Meanwhile, voting on March 13 was delayed at several polling stations due to voter verification machine failures and late voter arrivals.
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