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Concerns about the violent operations by state security forces in the ongoing Kawempe North byelection have made it to the floor of Parliament.
Members of Parliament led by Deputy House Speaker Thomas Tayebwa demanded answers from the government on the documented excessive actions of police and the military.
Tayebwa said the soldiers who were filmed brutalising journalists and supporters of the NUP party were “anti-government.”
“These are people who are against the state; when I saw that journalist being operated on in the hospital, I don't think the person who did that loves his government. These are overzealous people. What would provoke you to hit a journalist?” Tayebwa wondered.
On Wednesday, last week TOP TV journalist Ibrahim Miracle was badly beaten by operatives from the Joint Anti-Torrism Task Force (JAT), while covering the nomination of NUP candidate, Erias Luyimbazi Nalukola.
He has since undergone surgery amid concerns that he could lose his left eye.
During today’s plenary, Hon Joseph Sewungu of Kalungu west informed the house that the security operatives who have their faces covered have since attacked and beaten up other journalists, forcing them to delete footage they had recorded.
He also questions why male soldiers were arresting women, which is against the law.
Government responds
In response, Minister of State for Trade David Bahati condemned the actions of security operatives but said they were not operating on behalf of the government.
“We have stated that there is no state-sponsored violence in these elections. The state has not sanctioned this,” he said.
“The people who are harming others in the election should be brought to book."
Bahati revealed that on Thursday this week the Minister of Internal Affairs would deliver a statement on the house floor on this matter
Bahati to visit injured journalist
The minister also confirmed that he had earlier this morning spoken to the family of Miracle and that he would visit him in hospital later in the evening.
Meanwhile, Parliament heard that two more MPs remain in police detention.
The NUP MPs, Muwada Nkuyingi of Kyadondo East and Derick Nyejo of Makindye were arrested yesterday during a campaign rally in Kawempe.
Earlier, another MP Abdullah Kiwanuka was also arrested but later released on Police bond.
Hon Betty Nambooze told parliament that the MPs were being accused of "offences related to military uniform.”
The legislators were dressed in red overalls during the rally.
Nambooze questioned whether red attire had suddenly become a part of the military preserve.