The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has strongly condemned the conduct of security forces and electoral irregularities in the recently concluded Kawempe North parliamentary by-election.
Speaking at a press briefing in Najjanankumbi on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, FDC Party President Patrick Oboi Amuriat denounced what he described as a sham election marred by violence, intimidation, and outright vote rigging orchestrated by state operatives.
The FDC had fielded Sadat Mukiibi, popularly known as ‘Aganaga’, for the parliamentary seat and Ssebunya Sharif for the Parish Councilor position in Angola-Kazo Central.
Amuriat commended the candidates for their courage, resilience and ability to stand firm in the face of state-sponsored repression which he said, reflects the true spirit of our struggle.
However, he dismissed the election process as a military operation aimed at subverting the will of the people.
“We saw heavy deployment, ballot stuffing, intimidation of voters, and widespread violence. This was never an election—it was a battlefield,” Amuriat said.
The FDC leader also condemned the harassment of opposition supporters, particularly the violence against NUP’s Erias Nalukoola, the eventual winner.
“We stand in solidarity with Nalukoola and all those who suffered at the hands of the regime. It is clear that democracy in Uganda is under siege,” he added.
The party highlighted several incidents of violence, including the detention of FDC members Ngobi Edris, Kiirya Ngobi, Kavuma Moses, Nvanungi Richard, and Kintu John, who were arrested, maltreated, and held overnight at Kawempe Police Station. Kabonge Fredrick, an FDC member, was also injured in a boda boda accident allegedly caused by security operatives, while Top TV journalist Ibrahim Miracle sustained severe eye injuries after reportedly being assaulted by security forces.
Amuriat expressed concern over the implications of such electoral malpractices for future elections.
“If this is how the regime plans to conduct elections, then 2026 is already compromised. This country cannot continue to be held hostage by a group of power-hungry individuals who fear the will of the people,” he said.
Meanwhile, Aganaga also voiced his dissatisfaction with the results, posting on his X account, “It was not a free and fair election,” before threatening to take legal action.
The ruling party National Resistance Movement (NRM) has also rejected the by-election results and announced plans to challenge Nalukoola’s victory in court. The NRM secretariat, acting on directives from the Central Executive Committee (CEC) chaired by President Yoweri Museveni, has summoned all polling agents of its candidate, Nambi Faridah, to collect evidence for a court petition.
Amuriat warned that such actions could plunge the country into deeper political turmoil.
“This election has exposed the fragility of our democracy. If the authorities do not correct this mess, the consequences will be dire,” he cautioned.
The FDC has since then called for urgent electoral reforms to ensure that future elections are free, fair, and credible.
