Kawempe Electorates Stay Indoors Amid Unrest and Tensions

Heavy security deployments across Kawempe Division have kept many voters indoors, with tensions escalating throughout the day. Although the election began smoothly in the early hours, the situation deteriorated by midday as a surge of voters flocked to polling stations, prompting increased security measures. 

Police, military police, and Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) personnel were stationed at all polling sites. Violence quickly followed, with several politicians, particularly from the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), and journalists being attacked, beaten, or arrested. 

Polling stations including Kazo-Angola, Mathel, Kawempe Mbogo Primary School, Ssebagala Zone, Kiza Parking, and Keti Falawo were overrun by heavily armed security personnel. At Kawempe Mbogo and Kazo Angola, security forces chased away people gathered outside, while journalists and others attempting to capture footage were either beaten or arrested. 

According to URN reporters, several residents were observed peeping through windows and doors to observe the situation inside. A voter near Kazo-Angola polling station, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed fear for his safety after witnessing armed men assault journalists. He said most of his friends had chosen not to vote due to the threat of violence.

Nambi Shakira, a resident of Tula, was seen closing her salon on Tula Road. She said the security situation was preventing any customers from coming in. “No one is showing up,” she said. 

“The boda-boda riders are being chased away, and no one is allowed to move freely. I've decided to close up and head home early before things get worse." Although voting had officially ended according to electoral law, media presence at the polling stations was not allowed. Most media houses have since withdrawn their journalists.