By KT Reporter
Brigadier General Charles Byanyima, Commander of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Motorized Infantry Division, has called on residents of Luwero District to maintain peace as the country prepares for the upcoming elections, urging restraint and respect for the rule of law.
Greater Luwero—covering Luwero, Nakaseke, and Nakasongola districts—holds deep historical significance as the epicentre of the 1981–1986 National Resistance Army (NRA) war that ushered in the current government.
The region continues to symbolize both sacrifice and the long struggle for political participation and stability.
Speaking during the early Tarehe Sita commemorations in Luwero Town, Brigadier General Byanyima acknowledged the role played by local communities in supporting the NRA fighters during the liberation struggle.
Tarehe Sita, which marks the day the NRA launched its armed campaign, is officially observed on 6th February but was commemorated earlier this year due to the election calendar.
As Uganda enters another election cycle, Brigadier General Byanyima emphasized that citizens have a constitutional right to vote freely and peacefully.
He cautioned against electoral violence, noting that security forces are mandated to preserve public order before, during, and after the polls.
He stated that the UPDF, working alongside the Uganda Police Force, is on alert to prevent violence, adding that any acts that threaten public safety will be addressed within the framework of the law.
Human rights observers have repeatedly stressed that while security is important, it must be balanced with the protection of fundamental freedoms, including the rights to peaceful assembly, expression, and political participation.
The Acting Luwero Resident District Commissioner, Abel Bekunda, urged both candidates and voters to adhere to electoral laws, emphasizing that respect for legal processes is essential to safeguarding peace and human rights during elections. He noted that security agencies have been deployed to ensure campaigns and polling activities proceed without intimidation.
Luwero District Speaker Derrick Lukanga appealed to residents to protect the peace won through years of struggle and to exercise their democratic rights without fear or coercion. Luwero’s recent history, however, reflects the fragility of electoral peace.
During the 2021 general elections, the district was among the areas most affected by violence. Several people lost their lives in clashes linked to the electoral process, raising serious human rights concerns.
One of the victims was Richard Mutyaba, the LC I Chairperson of Kasaala Village, who was shot dead by security personnel while attempting to disperse supporters of National Unity Platform (NUP) presidential candidate Robert Kyagulanyi during protests over his arrest.
The unrest also saw the burning of Wobulenzi Magistrate’s Court and several government vehicles. As the country looks ahead to the 2026 general elections, Luwero District remains under heightened security monitoring.
Civil society organizations have called for proactive measures that prioritize dialogue, accountability, and respect for human rights to prevent a repeat of past violations and to ensure that elections are conducted in a manner that upholds the dignity and freedoms of all citizens.
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