Commissioner of Parliament Mathias Mpuuga has issued a strong condemnation against the ongoing involvement of military personnel in Uganda’s electoral processes, arguing that this practice sets a dangerous precedent that threatens democracy and fosters impunity. During a parliamentary session, Mpuuga criticized the government’s lax approach to addressing electoral violence perpetuated by security forces.
Mpuuga highlighted specific cases where accountability was lacking, including the violent incident involving journalist Kasirye Ashraf. This case underscores the broader issue of unchecked security personnel actions during elections, which Mpuuga believes undermines public trust in democratic institutions and processes.
The MP emphasized that allowing military involvement in electoral matters not only violates democratic principles but also contributes to a culture where those responsible for election-related violence go unpunished. He urged the government to take decisive action to ensure security forces are held accountable for their actions, thereby safeguarding the integrity of Uganda’s electoral system.