The Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II, has warned against the election violence meted out by state operatives against members of the opposition during campaigns and called on the electoral commission to be impartial as the country heads into the national polls.
Kabaka Mutebi made the call in his Christmas message in which he noted that some candidates and supporters have been harmed during the campaign period, citing reports of beatings, blocked access to campaign venues and other actions he said violated the law and fundamental human rights.
“Many of our people have been subjected to harm, including beatings, blocking candidates from accessing the places where they plan to speak to voters, and other acts that break the law and violate fundamental human rights,” he said in a statement issued on Wednesday evening by the Kingdom.
The Kabaka called on the Electoral Commission to assert its independence by acting decisively and impartially against electoral abuse, stressing that no candidate should face intimidation while campaigning.
“We call upon our compatriots in the national electoral commission not to remain silent on this matter, but to offer impartial support and ensure that every candidate is able to deliver their message to voters without obstruction or harassment of any kind,” he said.
The monarch further criticized the increasing commercialization of elections, warning that money-driven politics sidelines capable leaders and encourages self-serving leadership.
He cautioned that candidates who spend excessively to win office often seek to recover those funds once elected, describing the practice as a key contributor to corruption and poor governance.
He further urged voters to reject financial inducements and instead choose leaders based on integrity, competence, and a commitment to public service.
Beyond electoral matters, the Kabaka raised concern over rising insecurity, including child abductions, ritual killings, and violent crime, calling on families and security agencies to work together to protect communities, particularly during the festive season.
He also appealed to the government to support farmers affected by erratic weather by promoting food storage and reducing taxes on irrigation equipment to strengthen food security.
Kabaka Mutebi’s remarks come at time when security forces are facing criticism both domestically and abroad on the brutality they are unleashing out to members of the opposition during campaigns.
