UPC Urges Ugandans to Learn from Kawempe North By-Election Violence

The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) party is urging Ugandans to take the Kawempe North by-election as a stark reminder of the need for change in the 2026 general elections.

The UPC spokesperson Arach Oyat Sharon says Ugandans must learn from the Kawempe North experience and reject the NRM’s brand of politics in 2026. She emphasizes the importance of peaceful and transparent elections, highlighting the need for security forces to respect the rights of citizens.

Arach further sounded a warning that the recently concluded Kawempe North by-election is a precursor to the highly anticipated 2026 general elections amidst reports of violence and intimidation that marred the by-election

“The Kawempe North by-election has become a symbol of the country’s broader struggles with democracy and human rights, I urged Ugandans to stand together and demand a better future, where elections are free from violence and intimidation”, Sharon

She emphasized the need for all stakeholders, including the electoral commission, security agencies, and political parties, to work together to ensure a peaceful and transparent electoral process.

Arach also expressed deep dissatisfaction over the acts of violence and intimidation that marred the by-election which sparked widespread concern about the state of Uganda’s democracy and the safety of its citizens.

Sharon reveals that, while it is true Uganda had its first multi-party elections in 1958, followed by 1961 and 1962 which were arranged by the departing British colonial government, it would be totally unfair, for the President Yoweri Kaguta. Museveni claimed in his communication regarding the Kawempe North by-election, that “ballot stuffing has been going on since 1961.

“This is not a record the British government would like to share. Neither is it a record the pioneers of modern Nationalism, Pan-Africanism and Internationalism in Uganda would like to be associated with! This record should be put straight”, Sharon added.

The party head of media and communications Faizo Muzeyi says it is in the interest of UPC and public that they demand for the long-awaited report of what transpired in Bukedea by-election in 2023 where President Museveni opined in his letter showing high concerns anchored on intelligence of how Bukedea LC V by-election was marred with vote rigging and violence.

He highlights that the hard and bitter lessons from Kawempe North by-election speaks volumes, that whatever amount of force deployed, may not change the mind of a determined voter, UPC notes clearly that this experience is starting to spread and gain momentum arguing that for the good of Uganda and her democratic journey of governance, all the proposed electoral and constitutional reforms should be implemented immediately as the country moves towards achieving “the Uganda wanted that serves everyone”.

According to Faizo, UPC reiterates its call that the army should be completely removed from electoral processes and only maintain police whose main role is to keep law and order, with specified clear roles in elections under the control of the Independent Electoral Commission.

“We call upon all stakeholders to stick to only democratic and peaceful means of conducting our political activities while considering that Uganda is a multi-party country. Therefore, no one should interfere with electoral processes as we prepare for 2025/2026”, Faizo added.