Kawempe North By-Election: The final NRM rally shows the sinister act of the state

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) used all tricks of the trade on the final days of campaign. As the acknowledgement of what is happening to the National Unity Platform (NUP).

We know the NRM acts like it is all sealed and they are winning in the Kawempe North By-Election on the 13th March 2025 polls. This is after the campaign of the NRM of Faridah Nambi has gone on full steam. Meanwhile, we see how the authorities, the police force and JAT are acting towards the opposition.

We know the pictures of the rally at Mbogo Muslim Primary School Grounds will look supreme. Nevertheless, the NRM has no trouble using the force or power to silence the others. Alas, we can see that, and this is just to common occurrence.

The NUP was blocked from holding their rally. The vehicle of their candidate crashed into, and he was arrested after that. The Police Force went in full swing and stopped the NUP from ending the campaign in fanfare. That was only for the NRM to do.

This just shows how the “playing field” and the NRM acts towards their biggest rivals. As the NUP is in a headache, but the NRM pays several of musicians to warm up the stage for their candidate. The President cannot have a smaller rally or be humiliated by the NUP. That’s why this all went down.

We have seen in previous elections with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni holding rallies in the same towns and counties with Besigye. The Besigye rallies was blocked and sealed off. Now the same happened in the Kawempe North By-Election. This is a pattern, and they did this deliberately.

Bebe Cool and Minister Balaam cannot save the day. We know they will preach the message of the state. They will entertain for His Excellency, but this doesn’t make this truer. As we saw for what it is.

The ones not getting the gist. The NUP was blocked, because the President himself held a final rally for his candidate. That’s why NUP was brutally blocked and silenced ahead of their rally. They got different reports and communicated with the Police and Electoral Commission to hold it, but it didn’t matter.

President Museveni and NRM can act like it is all gold. They can act like it is all great, but we know the drill. This is just what it is. The ones believing in the lies and deception of the NRM. This sort of act is getting old.

We know why the NUP was treated so bad today. It is all because of His Excellency and his ego. The dictator had to show his power and greatness, but his ego is so vain that it must make other people suffer. Peace.

Kawempe North By-Election: Authorities crackdown on the NUP on the final day of campaigns… [Arrests Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola again!]

“The wreckage of a police truck and NUP candidate for Kawempe North, Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola’s car filmed at a crash scene along Gayaza road in Kawempe Division, Kampala after chaos broke out when police attempted to block NUP supporters from proceeding to their venue at Komamboga for their finally campaign rally ahead of March 13 by-election. Police fired teargas and live bullets to disperse NUP supporters. One person is said to have been injured with several arrested” (Daily Monitor, 11.03.2025)

“Police arrest NUP candidate for Kawempe North MP by-election, Elias Nalukoola Luyimbazi after he and his supporters were blocked from proceeding to Komamboga where he was scheduled to hold his last campaign rally ahead of the March 13 by-election. An unspecified number of his supporters were also arrested. One person sustained injuries as police fired teargas and live bullets to disperse NUP supporters” (Daily Monitor, 11.03.2025).

Just as the Inspector General of Police Abas Byakagaba appeared today in front of the Defence and Internal Affairs Committee in Parliament. Where he has the audacity to say these words, as we are seeing what the Police and the Authorities are doing on the streets.

Just reads this: “What I could add on this is that we don’t take any indiscipline lightly. Whatever happened, the contravening the laws is regrettable. And the action you have also mentioned, the processes are already going on and we shall not favour anybody and the law will take its course. And all this that is happening is work in progress. We shall continue improving where there are mistakes. And I think even when you allude to what is happening in Kawempe, I think from where it started is different from where it is. And that’s really a sign that we are concerned about to ensuring that we do the right thing when we are mandated to do our work” (Abas Byakagaba, 11.03.2025).

We are seeing how the Uganda Police Force (UPF) is destroying and taking charge in the midst of a campaign. A police force and authorities that has gone after the NUP directly. They have let the National Resistance Movement (NRM) do whatever it wants. We have seen the NRM Candidate even giving out money directly to voters. Meanwhile, the authorities stop, blocks and directly attacks the NUP convoys. That’s why we see results like this.

Today’s action is just showing the brutality and violence that is state sponsored. We saw the other day how peaceful a rally and a campaign the NUP can have in the Kawempe North. When they all appeared and had other party leaders a part of the rally too. We saw what the NUP can do when the UPF and JATT doesn’t interfere. However, today we saw the violence and misuse of power, which is modus operandi in the Republic.

Just like the NUP candidate was arrested after being nominated. His now arrested on his final day of campaigning before the polls of 13th March 2025. No other candidate has gone through worse than him. Neither has any other supporter or such been treated in this manner. It just shows what the state offers and how it targets the opposition. The NUP is who they fear and that’s why they intimidate the NUP. It is a reason why the DP or the FDC isn’t getting this treatment in the Kawempe North By-Election. They fear the NUP, and this shows…

This is just tragic. This is just impunity and directed to silence the opposition. Peace.

Opinion: Will the DP surprise us again and become the “Bad DP” or what?

1. *The Democratic Party hereby disassociates itself* from the content and letter of the said cooperation agreement.

2. *We pledge to champion dialogue and cooperation* involving all political players and entities in Uganda, with the aim of promoting the common good, addressing matters of national interest, and upholding the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. This should be through a well structured arrangement.

3. *We reaffirm our commitment* to the principles of social justice, equality, and human rights, and to the promotion of the interests of the marginalized and oppressed.

Therefore, let it be resolved that the agreement signed on 20th July 2022 hereinafter referred to as the Co-operation Agreement is henseforth terminated by the National Council sitting at Soroti, this 7th day of March, 2025.

Moved by; Deogratious Kiyingi Gonzaga – Deputy National Treasurer” (Resolution of the National Council of the Democratic Party, 07.03.2025).

This has been a slow train coming, there been Members of Parliament who wanted the Cooperation Agreement gone with the National Resistance Movement (NRM). The Democratic Party has fallen over this and become more weaker. As there is no trust in its agency or its mission either. The fallout of MPs and the MPs decisions to pick other parties has been rampant of late. Therefore, the value of DP has fallen and significantly so.

Yesterday’s act and review of the Cooperation Agreement between the DP and NRM is just telling. That the DP is done and dusted. This is just telling that Norbert Mao and Dr. Gerald Sirinda sold the party short for personal gains. Mao became Minister and Sirinda became a EALA MP. That is beneficial for them both and was an easy trade for them.

Is this a short-lived “No Surprises” agreement that just happens to be finalized and closed ahead of the 2026 General Elections?

We know the likes of Richard Lumu MP didn’t want this to begin with and he fought from the sidelines. He also seconded the resolution that is in question. It just shows how the party operates and how slow the leadership acts on the others participation. As we know how they called Mao into question and even how he accepted the agreement without prior knowledge of the rest of the party. That was the trade-off for a Ministerial Post and EALA MP slot.

Norbert Mao is tainted and so is the party. They cannot revise the history now. We have seen how Mao talked about a transition and a need for change, but he started to work for the President directly. There been no change in the Judiciary and neither has there been any reforms to speak off. No, Mao has delivered no punches or no surprises as Minister. President Museveni must be happy for this cheap bounty.

This seems like an easy gambit ahead of the 2026 polls. A way of deferring from the NRM and become Opposition just ahead of the General Election. That’s what it looks like and maybe the DP will join the Holy Alliance or whatnot. Because, what else does the party have?

Not like Mao has a voice of reason or is a likeable fella. No, Mao has sold it off and leased its future. Unless, he entrusts someone else with Party Presidency and retires from office too. That’s what is needed to revive this party and build from the ground up. Now the party is known for being like a mango. Green on the outside, but yellow on the inside. That’s not a good look, but the fate that befell it.

If there is time for surprises or revival… that is another matter. Peace.

Uganda Medical Association (UMA): Prisoner Health Rights Violation – Press Release (07.03.2025)

No cows for the FDC: Arrested and stopped from gathering in Soroti

“FDC President Eng. Patrick Oboi Amuriat and MPs from Teso, including Hon. Alobo Joan, Hon. Jonathan Ebwaru, and other Party leaders, have been arrested and whisked away from Soroti City. Their whereabouts and the reasons for their arrest remain unknown” (Forum for Democratic Change, 07.03.2025).

“FDC supporters are gathering at the party offices in Soroti City ahead of regional prayers at Soroti Independence Gardens this afternoon. Meanwhile, military and police have already deployed at the venue” (NTV Uganda, 07.03.2025).

“Security operatives have arrested FDC president Patrick Amuriat, MP Joan Alobo, and several other party members as they gathered along the city’s main road. The group was preparing to launch the “No Cows, No Votes” campaign before being intercepted” (Teso Vibez, 07.03.2025).

The fallen Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) was today put into spotlight in Soroti, as it was planned to launch the “No Cow, No Vote” in Soroti and do so at the Independence Gardens. This was scheduled to happen later today and the invitation to happen on the 3rd March 2025.

So, today the leadership of FDC was taken into custody and the rally in Soroti isn’t happening. That is just a mere fact, as the bodas was surrounding the FDC Offices earlier in the day. However, that is long gone now.

The FDC came with a follow up statement:

“We demand the immediate and unconditional release of FDC President Eng. Patrick Oboi Amuriat, Hon. Alobo Joan, Hon. Jonathan Ebwaru, and other Party leaders including Isaac Asaku, Soroti City West FDC Chairperson, Mary Goretti Atemo, FDC aspirant for Kumi Woman MP and Sam Acaitum who were arrested this morning. The police must disclose their whereabouts immediately. If they have committed any offense, they should be presented before the courts of law, not subjected to arbitrary detention” (FDC, 07.03.2025).

Nothing of this is new for the FDC. The FDC has been here before. Amuriat has been barefoot before too. This time he has his shoes on. We haven’t heard anything from the authorities or seen anything else happening after the arrests earlier in the day.

Some says this is scripted, maybe like Norbert Mao drinking soda at a Police Station during the previous campaign period before the General Elections. The same is felt and so are the comments on the arrests. Therefore, the FDC aren’t getting much traction or sympathy here.

Alas, the FDC is now in trouble, and it isn’t trustworthy. That’s why Amuriat and the FDC leaders must prove it. Its wrong that they get arrested for starting a campaign and spreading a message, but there is a reason for the questions about the narratives spoken about. This is why the FDC is failing.

Some is saying it is even a diversion, as the FDC party is expected to lose big in the Kawempe North By-Election. These arrests and this campaign can overshadow that. Nevertheless, being opposition and being “not NRM” still costs in the Republic.

We can just wonder if the FDC ever will be revived, but the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) have taken the wind from FDC. That is clear and the ghost of Besigye is haunting Amuriat. He cannot run away from it and neither the dirty money either. This is why the FDC party has lost relevance. These sorts of stunts won’t save it either…

The impunity and injustice are wrong, but you can wonder what game Amuriat and his fellow comrades is aiming for. Peace.

Dr. Kizza Besigye returned to Nakawa Court [after being behind bars for 109 days on the 7th March 2025 without a proper trial or due process]

“Armed Counter Terrorism  Policemen have been deployed inside Nakawa Court where Dr Kizza Besigye and his Co accused are expected this morning to be informed on the progress of investigations into treason charges against them” (Uganda Radio Network, 07.03.2025).

“On March 07, 2025, the State filed a motion in Uganda’s Chief Magistrate’s Court at Nakawa, seeking permission to access and analyze electronic data from mobile phones seized from opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye as part of an ongoing investigation” (Voice of Life FM 100.9, 07.03.2025).

“Dr. Kizza Besigye today in Nakawa Magistrate Court for hearings of his Bail application But Court has adjourned his case till the 28th of March for the next sitting” (Notifier Media, 07.03.2025).

Today the state just prolonged the agony and will continue to do so. Dr. Kizza Besigye and associates aren’t released on bond or bail. The state continues to prosecute and investigate the case, but not processing anything or proving any alleged criminal conspiracy in regard to the people who are charged.

Just like the charges changed between the General Court Martial and the Nakawa Court. We are now seeing the state changing their ways too. As they are not only putting him behind bars on remand. They will keep him detained without any sentencing or proved his guilt. No, the state will have kept him behind bars for a total of 130 days by the 28th March 2025.

Right now, he has been behind bars for 109 days and been moved between the courts. The charges changed and the chamber too. They went from illegal weapons, which the army has monopoly over to conspiring to overthrow the government. However, there is no proof of this or any of the allegations from the state. They have just charged him with treason to make the case more severe and have more excuses to keep him behind bars.

Dr. Kizza Besigye and associates shouldn’t be in this predicament, but this shows the vengeance of the state. It is going after him and signalling to the activists or opposition what can happen to them.

Besigye is an enemy of the state, and we have known this for decades now. He has gone in and out of the courts but never been sentenced or proven guilty of the criminal conspiracy pinned on him. Therefore, we shouldn’t expect that to happen now either. Peace.

Kawempe North By-Election: The main takeaways from yesterday’s plenary session in Parliament

“Every rightful thinking Ugandan is asking, how did we reach here? How did we reach where we are? What has caused this? Yesterday they showed, a lady was seated in the car, somebody jumped on top of the car and pointed the gun at the lady. The lady was saying shoot, people were surrounding the car. Who is in charge of campaigns in this country?” (…) “Minister Muhoozi, we want you to restore hope in Ugandans and say this is regrettable, we are going to do better. But according to your statement, it is as if everything is normal and what is going on is blessed because you blamed people who were arrested and you can’t even tell us those who participated in beating” (Maurice Kibalya MP, 06.03.2025).

The ones thinking there will be change is wrong. The Ministers of the Nation defended the actions of the state. They defended the brutality and the usage of force towards the citizens in Kawempe. That is the reality here…

This is why the Members of Parliament are now attacking the state and asking seriously good questions. We know the MPs won’t get an answer, as this is who the NRM is and how the state operates in a By-Election. Nothing we have seen is shocking or out of ordinary order. All of it happens for reason and that’s on orders by the state. They are coming with violence, intimidation and detaining of political affiliated civilians. They are coming with drones and coming with violent intent. That’s what we are seeing… and they cannot even defend it smoothly.

That’s why the MPs continue speak fire in the Plenary Session yesterday. Just read these quotes…

“This morning, I was on a talk show. Literally, if NRM is to get any votes in Kawempe, I want to tell you, it will be skeletal. The community is bleeding, why have we decided to militarize something which is for civilians?  What is your fear? Why have you decided to make elections appear like it is war? Do we want to take this country into anarchy? We have had enough. Media is supposed to be the fourth estate, the fourth estate has lost an eye. We can happily sit here and say, the treatment will be covered, can you imagine the pain that is in a person who has lost an eye?” (Rose Obigah (Terego DWR) MP, 06.03.2025).

“When you see events unfolding in the Kawempe by-elections, it leaves all of us in a bad situation. When the issue was put for Government to come and explain, I am deeply surprised that the Minister has chosen to tell what everybody wishes to hear, he has said the intent of the law and aspirations of every Uganda. What is at stake now is that there is the Joint Anti-Terrorist Task Force of Uganda (JATT) that is responsible to crack terrorism and after the official campaign exercise was announced, Government chose to deploy the JATT Force. Why? Minister, you could tell the country who deployed and why?” (Theodore Ssekikubo, 06.03.2025).

We are seeing how the MPs are addressing this, but this is how the state defends its actions. As it is accustomed too.

Just read David Muhoozi’s statement yesterday:

“Those arrested are accused of various breaches of the law including the alleged illegal use of military gear by some of them. Charges known to the law will be preferred for the courts to determine their cases. In addition, working with the military and other security agencies, it will be proposed to publish for information, their gazetted uniforms, as well as other gear which are ordinarily the preserve of official uniformed forces. Also, working with the Electoral Commission, guidance will be given to all the players regarding lawfully permissible conduct during this exercise” (David Muhoozi, 06.03.2025).

It is so predictable, that they are saying this and stopping the National Unity Platform (NUP) this way, but it doesn’t go after the yellow when they wear regalia or similar outfits in yellow. Therefore, we know this is deliberate and an attack on the association with the NUP. There is nothing else to this.

The Kawempe North By-Election is just a proof of how the NRM will operate and run the General Election in 2026. That’s what the authorities and the state will do. This is who the NRM are, and we see the vicious violence that appears at every election cycle. It never happens close to the state party or associates, but the opposition get the pinch. Every single time. They have excuses for it and will stifle their movements but accepts whatever the NRM does. That’s who they are, and we know the drill. Peace.

Kawempe North By-Election: The Media and the NUP hit by the JAT operation in this by-election

“Police have defended the presence of the Joint Anti-Terrorist Task Force (JAT) in Kawempe, describing it as a legally established security unit. Spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma advised those questioning JAT’s actions to seek legal redress. This follows the forceful detention of Elias Nalukoola shortly after his nomination” (NTV Uganda, 03.03.2025).

“Our own news reporter, Steven Mbidde, was seen being attacked by men in uniform earlier this morning as he attempted to speak to David Lewis Rubongoya at Wandegeya Police Station, where some of the arrested NUP supporters were being held after yesterday’s raid” (NTV Uganda, 04.03.2024).

“The National Unity Platform supporters who were brutally arrested yesterday from a political rally in Kawempe are set to charged in court at Kawempe Magistrate’s court. We strongly condemn election-related violence and abuse of civil rights in Uganda” (Freedom Hive Uganda, 04.03.2025).

This is just too common and to established by the authorities. The Uganda Police Force and JAT are active. They are able and allowed to set a precedence in the by-elections. This is the foreplay to the General Elections in 2026. The ones believing it will be better and freer are wrong. The state is showing force now and telling the public what it thinks of them.

That the authorities are using violence, usage of live-bullets and tear-gas, in addition to arresting, kidnapping and even detaining people for political affiliation. That is what the state does and does so to intimidate. They are targeting the National Unity Platform (NUP). This isn’t happening to the other political parties or their supporters or activists. That is visible for the naked eye.

This By-Election won’t be remembered for the political messaging or the stature of the candidates. No, this election is marred with state sponsored violence. The state is on high alert and made the By-Election a warzone, as we anticipated. The NUP is the target and being in association of the party is endangering for a civilian. Any citizen who are part of it or participate with the NUP. They should be aware that the state is aiming at them and they could become victims of the state oppression for doing so.

Citizen are being taken into custody and detained for their political affiliation. The media is hit and feeling a pinch following up or monitoring the acts of the state. Instead of letting people assemble and being free to associate with whoever. They are now going against the ones who dares to participate and be a part of the NUP in Kawempe North By-Election. That is the reality here…

We are seeing UPF and JAT misusing their power… and the people are the victims of their orders and active operation within the period of campaign period. That is clear here and we see the wounds, the damage and the suffering they are committed to give the people of Kawempe. Peace.

Opinion: Is the Habeas Corpus Principle dying the Republic? [Another horrific Singiza judgment]

Judges in this country do not so to speak enjoy a ‘floating power’ to hear and determine any disputes anywhere wherever they occur. It would amount to judicial chaos and blunder were any judge to sit and hear any disputes brought to him or her without checking first whether there would be a better suited high court division or circuit to do so in the first place as is the case in the motion before me” (Justice Dr Douglas Karekona Singiza, 03.03.2025).

Today’s judgment by Justice Douglas Singiza in regard to the case of Attorney Eron Kiiza is telling. It is a story that needs to be shed light on. As his another fellow civilian that is lingering between the Courts and is on remand in Prison, because they captured in the General Court Martial and charged him there. He was there as counsel of Dr. Kizza Besigye and became a “criminal” for doing so.

This case is just further proof of misuse of authority and the instruments of the state. They are playing ping-pong with lives and take the citizens hostage. These people are detained without proper trials or even concerns about the allegations pinned on the civilians. They are victims of circumstances and association. That’s it.

Meanwhile the likes of the Judge wonders why people don’t have kind words for him. Well, his use of power and office is why they don’t like him. His a man of the President and the Authorities, his not a man of the people or serving the general public at large. No, he serve the interests of the state and the will of being used as a tool of oppression.

Just read this court decision!

I take the firm view that the procedure adopted by the applicant to challenge the impugned

conviction and sentence was an incorrect one. I would probably have attempted to answer the

motion questions had the applicant approached this court by way of an application for judicial

review. Moreover, this Court would not be clothed with the requisite criminal appellate or

revisionary powers to examine the challenged conviction and sentence by the GCM” (Justice Dr Douglas Karekona Singiza, 03.03.2025).

This judge couldn’t accept a petition of the court of Habeas Corpus, because he feels ill-suited and not fitted for it. The same man that saw it fit to send a man to prison to heal, instead of giving bonds or bails to get into hospital. This judge have no common sense or concern for fellow civilian. No, his a servant of the President and not upholding law. As he has no trouble violating the Judiciary Act, and especially the article 34(b), which states this:

The High Court—may award a writ of habeas corpus ad test testificandum or habeas corpus ad respondendum for bringing up any prisoner detained in any prison before any court, a court-martial, an official or special referee, an arbitrator or any commissioners acting under the authority of any commission from the President for trial or, as the case may be, to be examined touching any matter to be inquired into by or pending before a court, a court-martial, an official or special referee, an arbitrator or the commissioners” (Judiciary Act, 1996).

The Court here didn’t even try to do this. It wasn’t even bothered to do so. This just shows that the Judiciary Act is a worthless piece of paper. Just like so many other laws and texts, which should be guided and studied in the Republic. These are becoming wasted ink and time, as they are not adhered to and not valued by the rulers. The rule of law is dying when judges can do this technicalities and use their office for such rulings. This isn’t upholding the law or concerned about justification for a person being incarcerated. No, this is just making excuses and uses the courts as a mechanisms to keep people detained. That’s done without proper procedure or justification to do so.

Attorney Eron Kiiza deserves better, but so does anyone who is moved from the General Court Martial to a civilian court. They all deserve better and the judges should be worried about the aftermath of all of this. As they will be remembered for the henchmen of the state. That’s what they are and this sort of judgment proves it. Peace.

Kawempe North By-Election: The Security Agencies targets the By-Election

“Security operatives got into a confrontation with National Unity Platform (NUP) supporters during Elias Nalukoola’s campaign drive moments ago in Kawempe” (Patro Uganda, 03.03.2025).

“The NRM aspirant for Kawempe North, Faridah Nambi has unveiled a list of programmes she plans to implement for her constituents if elected to parliament. Nambi said her manifesto prioritizes lobbying funds to empower women and youths who she says are suffering most due to the prevailing economic hardships as a result of lack of jobs” (NRM Party, 03.03.2025).

“The Archbishop of Kampala, Paul Ssemogerere, has criticized the government and law enforcement agencies for resorting to violence against opposition politicians and the public during the nomination process for the Kawempe North parliamentary seat” (Radio5 Uganda, 03.03.2025).

Today we are seeing the Warzone Aka By-Election in the Kawempe North, which is in campaign mode ahead of the 13th of March 2025 polls. The state is already besieged the area and is prepared for whatever that goes down. The authorities and the security agencies were ordered on the streets and be active.

This isn’t even about who’s the candidates or if they have the right merit to be elected. At this moment we are just seeing the system and state target the biggest opposition party. They are using drones, tear-gas and live bullets. The security organizations like Uganda Police Force and Joint Anti-Terrorist Task Force (JATT or JATF) are participate in it. These two entities are using force and being violent towards citizens and activists in this By-Election. Nothing new here, but it is shown by the videos online and pictures gone viral too.

The messaging of the candidates lose weight or meaning when people are hurt, arrested, kidnapped and possibly made into felons over participating in the by-election. The state is targeting it and using their power to intimidate, threaten and trying to silence the opposition. This is why they are targeting the NUP especially, as they know that is the biggest challenger.

It is just telling that it has come to this. The state is using force and their monopoly on violence to order it to the streets. Instead of coming with favours and giving way. They are going after the people and the citizens who happens to be there.

The Kawempe North By-Election is now marred with tear-gas, live bullets and drones. That is misuse of power and shows how they are operating. This shows how the state is willing to use force and what sort of “elections” that is going on. Those sorts of actions don’t happen when the yellow candidate is passing through the same streets. No, this happens when the reds are getting there. That’s what we see, and it is so obvious. The ones that state doesn’t fear or is worried about. This is who walks safely, but the who challenge the state is hit with blunt force. Peace.