The Mityana Diocese Bishop Rt. Rev. Dr. James Bukomeko Ssalongo, has criticized the state minister for youth and children affairs Hon Balaam Barugahara over his statement on the violent actions exposed during Kawempe North by-election.
Bishop Bukomeko says, its wrong for a minister to deceive the public that the opposition goons carried six lorries of stones in their pockets that they used to cause chaos on the polling day 13th March 2025.
He expressed fear that innocent Ugandans may be accused of possessing military weapons with the intension of arresting those on the opposition.
The man of God has however urged public to condemn any kind of violence in Uganda if the coming general elections are to be peaceful.
“The integrity of our democracy is at stake. In 2021, President Yoweri Museveniwas robbed of over 1 million votes. The situation in Kawempe in just concluded elections, was particularly dire, where NRM supporters were bullied by NUP gangs who threatened violence. How long can the government remain silent while its supporters face intimidation and elections are rigged in broad daylight? I firmly support President Museveni’s decision to conduct a desk audit on the Kawempe elections. Thank you
to the Chief of Defense Forces Gen Muhoozi and his team for maintaining order without firing a shot, despite provocation from NUP supporters who hurled stones at enforcement officers in Kawempe Mbogo. I witnessed this chaos firsthand at a close range, along with NUP Vice President Hon Muwanga Kivumbi, Hon Minsa Kabanda and Hon Kabyanga Godfrey Baluku between 4 pm and 5 pm. Let’s prioritize peaceful elections and reject thuggery”. Posted Minister Balaam.
