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NUP secretary general David Rubongoya, flag bearer Elias Nalukoola and LOP Joel Ssenyonyi addressing a press conference at Makerere Kavule after beating incident. (All photos by Milton Niinga)
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By Milton Niinga
Kawempe
A journalist and top leaders of the National Unity Platform (NUP) were injured in violent confrontations with security personnel during the Kawempe North by-election. The chaos erupted when police and plainclothes security operatives allegedly guarded a house suspected of harboring pre-ticked ballot papers and boxes from the Electoral Commission (EC).
Journalist severely beaten
Stephen Kibuka, a news reporter with NTV Uganda, is currently in critical condition at Doctor’s Medical Centre in Mpererwe after being brutally beaten. Reports indicate that unknown plainclothes security men assaulted Kibuka with batons, repeatedly kicked him in the abdomen, and left him unconscious.
According to Dr. Francis Tukei, Kibuka sustained a head injury from a blunt object, resulting in internal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, and a persistent headache before he collapsed.
"Kibuka lost balance when his head was struck. He was also kicked in the abdomen, worsening his condition. We are conducting abdominal and head scans to assess the extent of internal bleeding," Dr. Tukei explained.
He further stated that upon arrival at the hospital, Kibuka was in excruciating pain and required two painkiller injections before being put on bed rest for close monitoring.
"We will conduct an abdominal ultrasound scan to determine internal bleeding. His head, stomach, and kidneys were affected, leading to loss of consciousness," he added.
NUP secretary general assaulted
David Lewis Rubongoya, NUP Secretary General, was also assaulted during the scuffle. He sustained injuries after security operatives and goons allegedly aligned to the state forcefully pushed him and his colleagues away from the contested house.
At an urgent press conference at NUP headquarters in Makerere-Kavule, Kampala, Rubongoya condemned the violence, accusing security agencies of suppressing the opposition to keep President Yoweri Museveni’s National Resistance Movement (NRM) government in power.
"We were attacked upon entering the house in Namele Village, Mpererwe Parish, Kawempe Division, after receiving intelligence reports from our foot soldiers and local residents," he stated.
Rubongoya recounted that security operatives fired live bullets and tear gas, while hostile groups pelted stones at them.
"We had to leave immediately because they were coming after our candidate with the intention to harm him," he added.
Despite attempting to report the attack at Wandegeya Police Station, Rubongoya claims their complaints were ignored.
Ssenyonyi’s vehicle vandalized
Leader of Opposition (LOP) Joel Ssenyonyi was caught in a heated exchange with Nansana Municipality Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Charles Lwanga and Luuka Deputy RDC Hassan Ssembelirwa. During the confrontation, Ssenyonyi’s vehicle was vandalized, with its windscreen shattered.
"My vehicle, registration number UG 2200009, was stoned, and the windscreens were shattered. I had to run for my life as the goons threw stones at us while we accessed the rigging center where ballot papers were being pre-ticked," Ssenyonyi narrated.
According to Ssenyonyi, intelligence reports revealed that Julius Mucunguzi, the Electoral Commission’s Head of Public Relations and Spokesperson, had been frequently visiting the house in question.
"In Kyebando Central Zone, another house belonging to Sam Bida Mugalu was used for pre-ticking ballot papers. We also discovered that similar electoral violations were being conducted at *Summit View in Kololo under the protection of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers," he alleged.
Calls for action against ballot stuffing
Rubongoya condemned the violence and destruction of journalists’ property, calling on Electoral Commission Chairperson Simon Byabakama to explain why EC officials were accessing the disputed premises.
"Byabakama should clarify whether EC has opened new offices in these locations," Rubongoya demanded, adding that: "This is unacceptable! We will not be intimidated by these thugs. We will continue fighting for the rights of Ugandans, no matter the cost.
He further stressed that the attacks were not just against opposition leaders but an attack on democracy itself. "The authorities must take immediate action to hold those responsible accountable," he urged.
By-elections marked by controversy
The Kawempe North by-election follows the death of former MP Muhammad Ssegirinya on January 9, 2025. The electoral process has been marred by allegations of rigging, security intimidation, and interference by the Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force (JATT), which opposition supporters accuse of violently suppressing their activities during campaigns. As tensions rise, all eyes remain on the Electoral Commission and security agencies to ensure free, fair, and credible elections.
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