Tension and chaos marred the Kawempe North by-election as UPDF soldiers stormed a polling station, arresting voters and attacking a journalist covering the event.
Witnesses reported that people who had not yet cast their votes were rounded up when two patrol vehicles arrived carrying armed soldiers.
One of the affected journalists, Hasifah Nanvuma from NMG-U, narrated her ordeal, saying that security operatives became aggressive upon noticing her camera.
“When some of the security operatives saw the camera, they came and attacked me, beating me with sticks and even damaging my camera,” she said.
In an attempt to escape, she ran into a nearby building, but since the soldiers had already identified her, she had to remove her press jacket and scarf before hiding in a toilet for safety.
The shocking events have raised concerns about the conduct of security forces in Uganda’s electoral process.
Many voters expressed fear and frustration, questioning whether the election was truly free and fair.
