Uganda’s Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, has issued a rare public apology for military brutality during March’s chaotic Kawempe North by-election – but victims and watchdogs say accountability remains elusive.
Appearing before Parliament’s Defence Committee this week, Okiding called the assaults on journalists, opposition supporters, and election observers “operational mistakes” while insisting they violated UPDF doctrine.
His testimony came as part of the 2025/26 ministerial policy statement presentation.
“Doctrine Violations” or Systemic Abuse?
The violence peaked on March 13th when Joint Anti-Terrorism Taskforce (JATT) personnel:
- Beat journalists (including NBS TV’s Francis Isano who sustained serious injuries)
- Destroyed media equipment in deliberate targeting of election coverage
- Ejected NUP supporters from polling stations through force
“Among 1,000 soldiers, some struggle to control their patience,” Okiding conceded, revealing a disciplinary committee had arrested “some personnel.”
Lwemiyaga MP Theodore Ssekikubo pressed for concrete sanctions, questioning whether rogue elements were operating outside command.
Media Blackout Fallout
The attacks triggered an unprecedented self-censorship crisis:
✅ Multiple outlets suspended security force reporting
✅ Journalists describe “climate of terror” when covering military
✅ Critical election monitoring was obstructed
“This wasn’t just brutality – it was electoral sabotage,” said a Kampala-based editor speaking anonymously. “When you blindfold the watchdogs, democracy bleeds.”
Pattern of Impunity
The Kawempe violence fits a troubling trend:
🔴 2023: Soldiers filmed beating Arua election observers
🔴 2022: NUP supporters tortured in safe houses
🔴 2021: Over 50 journalists assaulted during elections
Civil society groups note zero high-ranking officers have faced prosecution despite repeated incidents.
