NUP’s Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola Wins Contentious Election Amid Violence, Voter Intimidation, and Human Rights Abuses”

The recently concluded Kawempe North parliamentary by-election has left Uganda at a crossroads. National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola emerged victorious in an election marred by violence, voter intimidation, and blatant human rights violations. While Nalukoola’s win reflects the resilience of Kawempe North’s electorate, the surrounding events raise serious concerns about the state of democracy, press freedom, and the rule of law in Uganda.

A Victory Marred by Violence and Low Voter Turnout

Nalukoola’s victory, with 17,764 votes against the National Resistance Movement (NRM)’s Faridah Nambi’s 8,593, was a clear statement from the electorate. However, the election was far from free and fair. With a voter turnout of just 14.1%, it highlighted systemic flaws in Uganda’s electoral process. Reports of pre-ticked ballots, destroyed voting materials, and a heavy military presence deterred thousands from casting their votes.

The election was further tainted by brutal attacks on journalists, opposition supporters, and polling agents. Security forces, including the Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JATT) and regular military personnel, unleashed violence on the streets, assaulting journalists and confiscating their equipment. This brazen attack on the press underscores the shrinking space for media freedom in Uganda—an essential pillar of any functioning democracy.

The State of Press Freedom: A Grim Reality

The targeting of journalists during the Kawempe North by-election is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of state-sponsored repression. Ugandan journalists face harassment, detention, and forced exile. The recent parliamentary directive requiring security personnel to identify themselves during operations was blatantly disregarded, further proving that Uganda’s security forces operate with impunity.

This disregard for accountability and press freedom reveals a disturbing truth: Mr. Yoweri Museveni’s government prioritizes power over the people. The chilling statement by Chief of Defence Forces General Muhoozi Kainerugaba—urging the NRM to win “even if it means killing all polling agents”—exposes the extent to which the ruling elite is willing to go to maintain its grip on power.

Human Rights Violations: A New Normal?

The Kawempe North by-election has exposed the growing trend of human rights violations in Uganda. From brutal voter suppression to the destruction of polling materials, the election reflects the broader crisis facing the country. Voter intimidation, unlawful detentions, and heavy military deployments are becoming the norm, pushing Uganda further towards autocracy.

Independent candidate Hanifah Karadi’s concerns about pre-ticked ballots and voter intimidation highlight the deep-seated flaws in Uganda’s electoral system. These irregularities, coupled with low voter turnout, raise serious doubts about the election’s legitimacy and the future of democracy in Uganda.

Is Uganda Safe to Visit or Invest In?

Tourism: Uganda remains relatively safe for tourists in controlled areas such as national parks. However, political hotspots like Kampala, Wakiso, and other urban centers pose significant risks, especially during protests and elections.

Investment: The political climate is unstable, corruption is rampant, and press freedom is under attack. Many international investors are shifting their focus to Kenya and Rwanda, which offer greater political stability and business security.

Diaspora Engagement: Ugandans abroad are increasingly concerned about arbitrary arrests, land grabs, and an increasingly authoritarian state. Many hesitate to return, invest, or engage politically due to the unpredictable environment.

Can Mr. Museveni Change After 40 Years in Power?

It is highly unlikely that Mr. Museveni will implement meaningful reforms:

His government increasingly relies on military repression to silence opposition and control elections.

The succession plan appears to favor his son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, rather than democratic processes.

International pressure has failed in the past, as Uganda remains a key Western ally in regional security affairs.

The Kawempe North by-election signals a turning point: Uganda is at risk of becoming a full-fledged military state rather than a democracy.

What’s Next for Ugandans?

With General Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s rising influence and Mr. Museveni being increasingly sidelined, Uganda is entering uncharted political territory. Despite Mr. Museveni’s insistence that he remains in control, mounting evidence suggests that his son and the military are now the real power brokers.

Ugandans must prepare for a new era of repression, violence, and intensified human rights violations. The international community must take urgent action to address the deteriorating situation before Uganda spirals into a full-scale dictatorship.

The Fight for Democracy Continues

The people of Kawempe North have spoken, but their victory is bittersweet. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, and the fight for democracy and human rights is far from over. Ugandans must unite in their demand for accountability, transparency, and the rule of law.

As NUP Secretary General David Lewis Rubongoya aptly put it, “The harder they fight, the sweeter the victory.” But at what cost? Uganda stands at a precipice, and the choices made today will determine whether the country descends further into chaos or rises to reclaim its democratic ideals.

The world is watching. Uganda’s future hangs in the balance.

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