Security forces fought with National Unity Platform members during a campaign event for Elias Nalukoola in Kawempe North. Police fired tear gas at NUP supporters and reportedly beat many people who attended. The Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce and Special Forces Command joined police in breaking up the gathering. Several people needed medical care after security teams used heavy force against them.
The trouble started when Robert Kyagulanyi, known as Bobi Wine, led supporters toward their planned meeting place. Officers blocked their path and attacked the group, causing chaos across the area. Many supporters suffered broken bones and serious wounds during these clashes. Some needed hospital treatment because of how roughly the police handled them.
Bobi Wine posted on X about what happened, calling it brutal treatment by government agents. He claimed officials deliberately stop opposition groups from campaigning freely. "NRM candidates hold processions without any problems, but these criminals came with orders to block us," he stated. He added that many friends went to hospitals with bullet wounds and broken legs.
This violence follows earlier problems for NUP candidate Nalukoola, who police arrested right after his nomination. Officers held him at Kawempe Police Station but never explained why. Before his arrest, someone took his agent and stole important nomination papers. NUP leaders believe the government picks on their candidates unfairly compared to others.
The race has become more complex because of fights between both major parties. Luwemba Lusswa Muhammed, who worked for the previous MP Muhammad Ssegirinya, ignored NUP instructions and entered the race as an independent candidate. From the NRM side, Hanifa Karadi Murerwa rejected her party's choice of Faridah Nambi. She claimed the selection process favored Nambi because her family knows NRM Vice Chairman Hajj Moses Kigongo.
Police officials have not released any statements about the recent violence against NUP members. Typically, they defend these actions by saying they must keep public areas safe and orderly. The continued tension between security forces and opposition groups raises questions about fair election practices. Campaign restrictions seem to affect some political parties more severely than others.
The trouble started when Robert Kyagulanyi, known as Bobi Wine, led supporters toward their planned meeting place. Officers blocked their path and attacked the group, causing chaos across the area. Many supporters suffered broken bones and serious wounds during these clashes. Some needed hospital treatment because of how roughly the police handled them.
Bobi Wine posted on X about what happened, calling it brutal treatment by government agents. He claimed officials deliberately stop opposition groups from campaigning freely. "NRM candidates hold processions without any problems, but these criminals came with orders to block us," he stated. He added that many friends went to hospitals with bullet wounds and broken legs.
This violence follows earlier problems for NUP candidate Nalukoola, who police arrested right after his nomination. Officers held him at Kawempe Police Station but never explained why. Before his arrest, someone took his agent and stole important nomination papers. NUP leaders believe the government picks on their candidates unfairly compared to others.
The race has become more complex because of fights between both major parties. Luwemba Lusswa Muhammed, who worked for the previous MP Muhammad Ssegirinya, ignored NUP instructions and entered the race as an independent candidate. From the NRM side, Hanifa Karadi Murerwa rejected her party's choice of Faridah Nambi. She claimed the selection process favored Nambi because her family knows NRM Vice Chairman Hajj Moses Kigongo.
Police officials have not released any statements about the recent violence against NUP members. Typically, they defend these actions by saying they must keep public areas safe and orderly. The continued tension between security forces and opposition groups raises questions about fair election practices. Campaign restrictions seem to affect some political parties more severely than others.
