Leader of the Opposition Joel Ssenyonyi has demanded that the government account for the violence that marred the Kawempe North by-election on March 20, 2025.

Ssenyonyi questioned who was responsible for the brutal attacks on opposition leaders, supporters, and journalists, condemning the government’s failure to prevent the violence.

He criticized statements from officials, including Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Kampala Minister Minsa Kabanda, and Youth Minister Balaam Barugahara, who suggested the Opposition orchestrated the violence against themselves.

“We raised this issue repeatedly, but the government failed to act. Our candidate was assaulted, our leaders were brutalized, and journalists were abducted and left injured. The government claims we did this to ourselves, but we demand to know who is truly responsible,” Ssenyonyi said.

Journalists covering the election were among the victims, with several beaten, detained, or abducted by security forces in what the Opposition calls an attack on press freedom.

Ssenyonyi urged the government to disclose who authorized the crackdown and whether the claim that the violence was self-inflicted represents the official position of the state.

Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda also questioned the deployment of military-grade vehicles like Mamba trucks, typically used in conflict zones.

“I saw these vehicles at polling stations in Kawempe. These are the same ones deployed during the war with Joseph Kony. Why were they used in a by-election?” he asked.

The government, through Junior Trade Minister David Bahati, declined to comment, stating that President Museveni had already addressed the issue.

However, the Opposition is demanding an independent investigation to establish accountability, warning that the violence raises serious concerns about democracy and citizens’ rights during elections.