Kawempe north polls: Police deploys senior commanders to curb violence

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As part of ensuring a smooth and fair electoral process in Kawempe North byelections slated for tomorrow (Thursday, March 13, 2025), the police have deployed senior commanders in all 9 parishes of Kawempe division to prevent electoral violence during voting.

This move, according to police spokesperson Rusoke Kituuma, aims at ensuring a peaceful and secure environment for voters to cast their ballots.

“We have designated officers at the rank of superintendent (SP) at all the nine (9) parishes in Kawempe North to coordinate security. These involve those who gather information on potential hotspots and individuals who may instigate violence to maintain increased visibility,” Kituuma said in a media brief on the state of security ahead of a hotly contested byelection. 

“Candidates are encouraged to work closely with the police and we urge them to maintain control over their supporters and collaborate with the police. The officers will work with the local leaders to promote peaceful elections and resolve potential conflicts at all polling stations, he added.

The deployment aims at ensuring that police officers are prepared to respond quickly and effectively to any incidents of violence and I remind the public to await the official results from the electoral commission, he insisted.

Last Tuesday, Director Operations AIGP Frank Mwesigwa, the Commander Kampala Metropolitan Police CP Ecega Richard, and other security officers attended a meeting convened at the electoral Commission offices chaired by the Uganda Electoral Commission boss, Justice Simon Byabakama, about the Kawempe North byelections.

Uganda Electoral Commission boss, Justice Simon Byabakama. (Courtesy photo/Electoral Commission)

(Courtesy photo/Electoral Commission)

(Courtesy photo/Electoral Commission)

The Director of Operations appreciated the collaboration with the Electoral Commission and pledged security's readiness to prevent disruptions and chaos at polling stations, campaign events, and tally centre.

He implored the Commission to further engage with the different political actors on adhering to the campaign guidelines during the electoral process.

Kwempe North electorate go to polls tomorrow (Thursday, March 13, 2025) to choose their Member of Parliament following the demise of Hon. Mohammad Ssegirinya.

Contestants include: National Unity Platform (NUP) party flag bearer Elias Luyimbazi Nalukoola, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party candidate Faridah Nambi Kigongo, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC)’s Sadat Mukiibi aka Khalifa Aganaga, Democratic Party’s Henry Kasacca, and Ismail Musiitwa of the Peoples’ Progressive Party (PPP).

Others include the independent Muhammed Lusswa Luwemba, Muhamood Mutazindwa aka Sweet Cake, Moses Nsereko and Stanley Edward Maitum Engena, the son of former president Dr Milton Obote.