In order to maintain peace and order ahead of the Kawempe North By-Election set for March 13, 2025, the Electoral Commission held a crucial meeting with police chiefs to address growing concerns over violence and unrest during the ongoing campaigns.
The high-level meeting, which took place at the Electoral Commission headquarters on 7th Street Industrial Area, was led by Justice Byabakama Mugeni-Simon, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, and attended by Deputy Chairperson Hajat Aisha Rubega, alongside all the commissioners.
On the police side, Assistant Inspector General of Police Frank Nwesegwa, the Director of Operations in the Uganda Police Force, headed the delegation. He was joined by senior officers responsible for security in Kampala Metropolitan and Kawempe Division.
The meeting’s primary focus was to address the rising tensions in Kawempe North, where acts of confrontation, scenes of violence have been witnessed during the campaign rallies, notably with the red camp.
The incidents have left some journalists battered to the point of admission, citizens injured and several arrests made during the campaigns that have entered day five.
Julius Muchunguzi, the spokesperson for the Electoral Commission while revealing the findings noted that the EC has consistently said that elections are not a war and should be conducted peacefully, allowing voters to choose their leaders without fear or intimidation.
“We hope that going forward, we will witness a better relationship and improved conduct between security agencies and actors in the electoral process,” said Muchunguzi
He said the discussions also touched on the importance of all stakeholders including candidates, their supporters, and the media, adhering to the guidelines issued by the Electoral Commission. The commission called for strict observance of the law to avoid any incidents that could provoke violence or escalate into more significant confrontations.
The meeting concluded with a commitment from both the Electoral Commission and the Uganda Police to increase their engagement as the election day approaches. Both parties agreed to conduct regular meetings to ensure peace and security throughout the electoral process.
The Kawempe North by-election is scheduled for Thursday, March 13, 2025.
The seat fell vacant following the passing of the former Member of Parliament, Muhammad Ssegirinya, on January 9, 2025.
The Electoral Commission has outlined the following key dates leading up to the election:
January 27-31, 2025: Updating the National Voters’ Register, February 26-27, 2025: Nomination of candidates, February 28 – March 11, 2025: Official campaign period for candidates and March 13, 2025: Polling day for the Kawempe North Constituency by-election
The Electoral Commission officially nominated ten candidates for the upcoming by-election.
