Joel Ssenyonyi, the Leader of the Opposition (LOP), has condemned the actions of security forces during the Kawempe North by-election, where opposition members, including Luyimbazi Elias Nalukoola and journalists, were allegedly assaulted. Ssenyonyi demanded accountability from the government, questioning who was responsible for the brutality.
Speaking during a plenary session in Parliament on Thursday, Ssenyonyi expressed his outrage over the violence that occurred during the election. “Who is responsible for the brutality? We have raised this issue in Parliament, but the government has not responded. Officials, including Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja and Internal Affairs Minister Gen. David Muhoozi, condemned the violence—so can we know who ordered it?” he asked.
Ssenyonyi also criticized some government ministers for making sarcastic comments that suggested the opposition was responsible for orchestrating the violence against themselves and journalists. The opposition leader highlighted the government’s failure to respond meaningfully to these incidents.
Adding to his concerns, Ssenyonyi raised the issue of ongoing abductions, citing the disappearance of Bright Muhumuza, NUP’s Coordinator for Western Uganda, on Wednesday night. He expressed his dismay over the government’s lack of action regarding these abductions and other human rights violations.
“One of our coordinators was abducted last night. We do not know why the government continues to commit atrocities against its own citizens. What hurts most is the government’s pretense—acting as if nothing is happening while nobody is held accountable,” he lamented.
The opposition has continued to demand a comprehensive investigation into the incidents of violence and abduction, with calls for transparency and justice for those affected.
