A few hours after the Electoral Commission has declared National Unity Platform’s Elias Luyimbaazi Nalukoola as the winner for Kawempe North by-election, Uganda Human Rights Commission (UHRC) , a body mandated to protect and promote fundamental Human Rights and freedoms in the country has come up with the conclusive report about the exercise.
“The Uganda Human Rights Commission condemns the violence, intimidation, and harassment witnessed during the Kawempe North By-election. For an election to be free, fair and credible, it must be conducted in an environment that is secure, safe and peaceful, enabling citizens to exercise their right to vote.” Concluded Hon. Lamex Omara on behalf of UHRC Chairperson.
He promised that the Commission will continue to investigate the incidents and engage relevant institutions to ensure accountability and the protection of human rights in future electoral processes.
Lamara pointed out that , the Commission observed the voting process at 67 out of 197 polling stations in Bwaise I, Kawempe I, Kawempe Il, Komamboga, Mpererwe, Kyebando, Kanyanya and Kazo Angola. While the elections began peacefully, with polling stations set up in accordance with the Electoral Commission’s guidelines, the environment only remained orderly in the early morning hours, allowing voters to cast their ballots without interference.
“However, the enhanced military’ presence across polling stations raised concerns. While some voters felt reassured by the security, others particularly opposition Party supporters reported feeling intimidated and fearful. When engaged by the UHRC, security officials explained the deployment as a preventive measure against potential violence and election-related clashes.”
The Commission also pointed out that there was too much violence against Journalists who were covering the whole Electoral process, pointing out several incidents at Kazo- Angola polling stations where seven journalists were allegedly arrested, physically assaulted and had their cameras vandalized and some confiscated.
Recommendations
The Commission asked the government to establish and enforce clear guidelines for the safety and security of media personnel, protection of rights of media personnel, and creation of mechanisms for journalists to report to authorities’ harassment or assault on them without fear of retaliation.
“The UHRC will work with relevant authorities to conduct prompt, independent, and impartial investigations into the assaults on journalists, harassment of electoral officials and confrontation with voters. Those responsible must be held accountable. Political actors must refrain from inciting violence or inflammatory rhetoric that may fuel confrontation between voters, security and themselves.”
They further added , that in order to safe guard the Independence of Electoral Officials, Security agencies must be sensitized to respect the independence and safety of electoral officials to enable them perform their constitutional duties without intimidation or interference.
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