Opinion: Why Military Brutality Won’t Win NRM Votes in Buganda

Author:  Joel Kazibwe

The events that unfolded during the recent Kawempe North by-election in Uganda sent a chilling message to the people of Buganda and beyond. What should have been a peaceful, democratic process turned into a tense, militarized ordeal. Security forces—ostensibly deployed to maintain order—instead unleashed a wave of brutality that targeted not just opposition supporters, but even journalists and ordinary voters. These acts of intimidation and violence are not only a stain on Uganda’s democratic credentials; they are a strategic miscalculation by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) if the goal is to win back the hearts of Buganda.

The Failure of Fear-Based Politics

For years, the NRM has leaned on the power of the state machinery—military presence, police crackdowns, and arbitrary arrests—to neutralize opposition, especially in regions like Buganda where the opposition has grown stronger. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: fear does not inspire loyalty, and brutality cannot manufacture genuine support. In fact, it does the opposite. Each baton strike, each abduction, each silenced journalist only deepens the resentment among voters and cements the opposition’s narrative that the NRM is no longer a people’s party, but a regime clinging to power through force.

The people of Buganda are politically conscious, vocal, and increasingly frustrated. They see through the attempts to suppress their voice. Every time military trucks roll into their neighborhoods on election day, it reinforces the belief that their votes don’t matter—that their will can be overridden by the barrel of a gun. That is not how a political party gains support; that is how it loses its legitimacy.

The Backfire Effect

Deploying military brutality on election day may temporarily silence a few voices, but it fuels a long-term resistance. It radicalizes youth, pushes moderates toward the opposition, and unites previously fragmented groups under a common cause: rejecting oppression. This was evident in Kawempe North where, despite the violence and intimidation, the opposition’s candidate still held strong support. The low voter turnout, largely due to fear, robbed the process of any credibility. And when elections lack credibility, so do their outcomes—regardless of who is declared the winner.

Moreover, images and videos of soldiers brutalizing civilians spread rapidly on social media, shaping public perception far beyond the polling station. In the digital age, violence is not a local act—it’s a national and even global statement. These scenes erode Uganda’s image and damage the NRM’s brand not just in Buganda, but across the country.

Winning Hearts, Not Silencing Voices

If the NRM truly wants to reclaim the political ground it has lost in Buganda, the answer lies not in brute force but in meaningful change. The people need to be heard, not harassed. Here are a few non-violent, people-centered strategies the party should consider:

1. Restore Trust through Accountability
Acknowledge past wrongs and hold security personnel accountable for acts of brutality. Publicly committing to non-violent elections and ensuring transparency can signal a fresh direction for the NRM.

2. Engage in Honest Dialogue
Rather than shutting down dissent, the party must engage opposition leaders, civil society, and youth groups. Listening does not equal weakness—it shows leadership.

3. Invest in People, Not Guns
Buganda’s urban areas are plagued by unemployment, poor service delivery, and rising cost of living. Addressing these issues through targeted development programs would speak louder than any campaign speech.

4. Reform Electoral Practices
Support reforms that increase fairness in the electoral process: free media, independent Electoral Commission, and civil education campaigns. Winning in a truly free election will be a more powerful endorsement than any militarized “victory.”

5. Decentralize Power and Include Youth Voices
The Buganda region has a large youth population that feels sidelined. The NRM must create spaces for young leaders and adopt participatory policies that reflect their aspirations.

Conclusion

Brutality may offer the illusion of control, but it does not translate into votes. The people of Buganda, like all Ugandans, deserve dignity, respect, and the right to choose their leaders without fear. If the NRM continues down the path of militarizing elections, it risks not only alienating voters but also tearing the social fabric of the nation. True power is not imposed—it is earned. If the ruling party wants to be part of Uganda’s democratic future, it must abandon intimidation and embrace reform. Only then can it begin the long journey of rebuilding trust and winning back the hearts of Buganda.