By Shafick Kateregga
Election observer Chris Nkwatsibwe has accused security forces of facilitating violent disruptions during the Kawempe North by-election, raising serious concerns about electoral integrity.
A chilling account from an election observer has laid bare allegations of violent disruption and military complicity during the Kawempe North by-election, casting a dark shadow over the electoral process.
Chris Nkwatsibwe, a Governance & Civic Engagement specialist and observer, has detailed a timeline of events at Mbogo Polling Centre, painting a picture of deliberate sabotage and impunity.
Nkwatsibwe, accredited by the Electoral Commission, described an initial period of smooth operations.
“Polling closed without incident, vote counting and tallying commenced across all six polling stations at the centre,” he siad. “Electoral Commission officials followed all procedures meticulously, candidates agents were all orderly and calm.”
However, the tranquility was shattered as tallying concluded. “As tallying concluded at one of the polling stations, a group of masked plainclothes security operatives armed with sticks entered the polling centre through established checkpoints,” Nkwatsibwe recounted.
The masked men unleashed chaos, “forcefully charged toward the polling station, seized and kicked polling materials, tore up the completed declaration forms (DR Forms), and fled towards the uniformed military personnel stationed nearby. During this process, some polling officials and agents were harmed.”
The most damning allegation was the military’s role in shielding the attackers.
“When polling constables and uniformed police officers attempted to intervene (run after) and arrest the attackers, the military personnel shielded the perpetrators instead,” Nkwatsibwe revealed.
Adding to the controversy, “the police commander on-site instructed his officers not to interfere, citing concerns that any confrontation could escalate into violence and potential bloodshed.
The police instead focused on ensuring the safety of observers, polling officials, and party agents.”
Nkwatsibwe stressed that this was not an isolated incident.
“This pattern of violence and interference was replicated at all polling stations within Mbogo. Despite the blatant disruption & destruction of electoral materials, no arrests were made,” he added.
The observer’s account raises serious questions about the integrity of the election and the role of security forces.
His detailed timeline provides compelling evidence of coordinated disruption, undermining the credibility of the Kawempe North by-election.
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