Mukasa Mbidde on Kawempe North By-Election: Opposition Causes Injustices to Themselves
The former East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) representative for Uganda, Dr. Fred Mukasa Mbidde, has argued that the injustices faced by the opposition in the Kawempe North by-election at the hands of security operatives are, in part, a consequence of the opposition’s own strategies.
Speaking on NBS Morning Breeze, Mbidde challenged opposition political parties to rethink their approach to mobilizing support, cautioning against relying on sympathy-driven tactics.
“Some problems have been caused by justifications brought out by the opposition leaders themselves. For example, they have engaged in a kind of gladiatorial display of military capacity when we don’t have it,” Mbidde said.
He further warned that the events unfolding in Kawempe North could be a preview of what to expect in the general elections.
“We must make up our minds that whatever is happening in Kawempe is prognostic of what will happen in the general elections. It’s practically similar to what will happen,” he noted.
The lawyer and Democratic Party vice president also pointed to opposition disunity as a significant challenge, citing the high number of candidates vying for the seat.
“A multiplicity of candidates in just one constituency explains it all. Why would every political party field a candidate for a single seat when we should be choreographing the possibility of working together?” he questioned.
“It would have been easier in Kawempe North if the opposition were united, but because they have left it to NUP to predetermine, it has become a difficult task,” he added.
Mbidde predicted that 2025 would be a year of political upheavals, noting that the current state of affairs reflects a lack of strategic direction.
“There is now a situation where sense no longer makes sense. Instead of politicians illuminating the future course of politics in the country, we have people using their stomachs to determine direction,” he remarked.
Ten candidates are contesting in the Kawempe North by-election, with open campaigns concluding today, Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Voting is set for Thursday, March 13, 2025.
