Chairman NRM UK and Ireland @nrmukireland, Allan Olara @AllanOlara5 had criticised the recent crackdown by @PoliceUg and the military @MODVA_UPDF against peaceful opposition supporters campaigning at the Kawempe North by-election. Interestingly, Olara stayed clear from accusing dictator @KagutaMuseveni or his son @mkainerugaba or the @NRMOnline government for their roles in maintaining repression in the country.
Olara's full unedited statement is below.
Brutality and Intimidation: A Growing Concern for Uganda’s Political Landscape
By Allan Olara
Chairman NRM UK and Ireland chapter
In a concerning development, recent events have once again highlighted the troubling actions of Uganda’s security forces, including the police and military, towards opposition supporters. What should have been a peaceful political rally turned into a scene of violence, as soldiers and police officers, deployed in full force, subjected unarmed civilians to unwarranted brutality. These individuals were part of a peaceful campaign opposing the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), which has maintained its dominance with the support of various security arms.
While NRM candidates and their allies continue to hold rallies without significant interference, opposition groups have faced acts of violence and obstruction. Eyewitness reports indicate that during a recent rally, opposition members were attacked without provocation, with some sustaining severe injuries, including bullet wounds and broken limbs. This raises the question: why are security forces targeting unarmed civilians?
The behavior of the police and military, particularly the Joint Anti-Terrorism (JAT) units, suggests an increasingly coordinated effort to suppress dissent and silence opposition voices. The excessive use of force against unarmed civilians raises serious concerns about the motives behind these actions. Some argue that these measures aim to instill fear and maintain control over a growing opposition. By resorting to violence, security forces send a clear message: opposing the government may come with severe consequences.
The deployment of armed forces to block opposition rallies appears to be part of a broader effort to undermine the legitimacy of the opposition. While the government portrays its actions as maintaining order, they can also be seen as attempts to restrict political freedoms. The police and military should, in theory, safeguard public safety, not intimidate and brutalize citizens exercising their democratic rights.
The key question remains: why is the opposition being actively blocked from campaigning? The answer may lie in the ruling party’s desire to preserve its long-standing grip on power. The NRM has been in control for decades, and as political dynamics evolve, opposition influence is growing. By restricting their ability to campaign freely, the government aims to suppress the political diversity that could threaten its dominance.
The state’s ongoing efforts to block opposition candidates from holding rallies—through arrests, violence, or restrictions on movement—appear to be a calculated move to maintain the status quo. This suggests a deep-seated fear of the power of free expression and opposition voices, with the ruling party seeking to preserve its hold on power, regardless of the cost.
The actions of the police and military, particularly the JAT units, are not only detrimental to the opposition but also to Uganda’s international standing. As reports of police brutality continue to emerge, Uganda’s image as a country that values human rights and democracy is being tarnished. The international community, including human rights organizations and foreign governments, is closely monitoring the situation, raising growing concerns about political freedoms and the rule of law in Uganda.
What is especially concerning is the perception that these actions may be condoned or overlooked by those in higher positions of power.
@ChrisOchen1 There is no problem with regional parliamentary sitting. With all that is happening in parliament and the country at large, the timing is so wrong
@CanaryMugume It would be beneficial to consider reallocating the substantial funding designated for these meetings towards enhancing public services. The hospitals are in dire need of investment and support. Meetings may not directly address the urgent requirements of hospitals, schools etc
@CanaryMugume There is no productive out come from this regional sitting. They have failed to be productive in kampala . These so called politicians should be voted out
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@nrmukireland branch Chairman Allan Olara joined the pilgrims from Nebbi Catholic Diocese who are walking from Nebbi district to Kampala-450kms for martyrs day at Namugongo on June 3rd. @NRMOnline @onc_nrm @SHUDiasporaUnit
Join in tonight for a vital discussion on mental health in Ugandan men with Dr. Joyce Nalugya and Dr. @Eleanor.K. Let's address stigma and explore solutions.
Zoom link👉https://t.co/J5FLUf51Kw
@NRMOnline @onc_nrm @SHUDiasporaUnit@MinofHealthUG@DianaAtwine
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