By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has said that the Kawempe North by-election is a test for Uganda’s electoral democracy as the country is headed to the 2026 general elections.
Sharon Oyat Arach, the party’s spokesperson said at a press conference on Wednesday that the ugly scenes during the electoral campaigns in Kawempe determine the nature of elections in 2026. During the electoral campaigns in Kawempe North by-election have been marred by violence as a result of excessive use of force by security operatives under the Joint Ant-Terrorism Unit (JAT) leaving hundreds of supporters of opposition candidates, journalists brutally injured, arrested and others remain incommunicado.
UPC criticized these security actions, calling them “regrettable”, and arguing that they tarnish the country’s image ahead of the general elections.
“If this is what’s happening in a by-election, what will happen in the 2026 elections when we are holding general elections?” Arach said, questioning the role of military in elections.
According to UPC, the use of military disfranchises people of their rights and urged the electoral commission to regulate security measures before Kawempe goes to polls. The party further called for a peaceful, free and fair elections in Kawempe North.
Over 190,000 voters from nine parishes that make up Kawempe North county will cast their ballots at 197 polling stations tomorrow, Thursday March 13, starting from 7am to 5am.
The electoral commission is set to meet with all candidates, security officials, electoral observers and polling agents and other stakeholders in a pre-polling day meeting to discuss preparations and ensure a smooth voting process.
