The Kawempe North parliamentary by-election was on Thursday marked by significant disruption and arrests, with security forces detaining two opposition Members of Parliament and multiple journalists.
MPs Geofrey Kayemba Ssolo (Bukomansimbi South) and Hillary Kiyaga (Mawokota North), both from the National Unity Platform (NUP), were apprehended at the Kazo Angola polling station.
Security operatives engaged in violent actions against journalists covering the arrests, resulting in physical assaults, broken cameras, and confiscated equipment. Journalists Abubaker Lubowa, Raymond Tamale, Denis Kabugo, Francis Isano, and Hakim Wampamba were among those detained in a vehicle known as a “drone.”
A witness reported journalists being threatened at gunpoint and ordered to cease recording. Hasifah Nanvuma, a journalist, recounted fleeing after being attacked and having her equipment damaged by soldiers. The military deployment at Kazo Angola included mambas, drones, and heavily armed personnel.
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) issued a strong condemnation of the escalating violence against journalists, highlighting multiple incidents since the start of the nomination period on February 26, including attacks on journalists Miracle Ibrah, Steven Kibwiika, and Stephen Mbidde. The voting process on March 13 was further complicated by delays caused by malfunctioning voter verification machines and late voter arrivals.