The Electoral Commission of Uganda has today engaged leaders from the National Unity Platform (NUP) following reports of brutality from the Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force (JAT) in the ongoing Kawempe North by-elections. The closed meeting was chaired by the EC chairperson Justice Simon Byabakama and in attendance was the top NUP leadership led by their Secretary General David Lewis Lubongoya.

The two parties agreed to work harmoniously for free and fair by-elections.

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Ambiance…………

Kawempe North has in the past weeks been a war zone since the commencement of the nomination exercise of the by-elections for the area member of parliament following the death of Muhammad Ssegirinya on 9^th January 2025.

Ambiance.......

The presence of the Joint Anti-Terrorism Task force (JAT) coupled with reports of beatings from men dressed in black attires with faces masked raised concerns among the general public with many questioning the role of JAT in Kawempe North by-elections.

Today, the leadership of the National Unity Platform, led by their secretary general, Lewis Lubongoya, has engaged the officials from the Electoral Commission in a closed meeting.

Addressing journalists shortly after the meeting, Lewis Lubongoya explained how a number of issues had been tabled before the Electoral Commission regarding the ongoing Kawempe North by elections.

Key to these was the continued security brutality by JAT officials.

Addressing the media this Monday, Police Spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma broke the silence when he defended the legitimacy of the Joint Anti-Terrorism Task Force (JAT), tasking those in opposition to follow clear channels

However, NUP wants the Electoral Commission to take charge of the entire electoral process and ensure that a free and fair election is conducted. 

In response, the Chairperson Electoral Commission Justice Simon Byabakama Mugenyi confirmed the engagement and explained what was agreed upon by the two parties.

Reacting to many of the issues, Byabakama called upon all the other key players to play their role well and act in accordance with the law.

Regarding the UCTU polling station located in a UPDF barracks, Byabakama explains how no polling station is allowed to be situated in any barracks and indicates how they have commenced investigations on the matter.

Residents of Kawempe North will vote for their area MP and councilor for Kazo Angola on 13 March 2025 following the death of the area MP Muhammad Ssegirinya on 9 January 2025.

Ten candidates were successfully nominated for the position, with the voting scheduled for 13 March 2025