Bushenyi District Woman MP candidate Vianah Kemigisha Kashaya is nursing injuries after surviving an attack by panga-wielding assailants on Friday night.
Kemigisha, who is contesting as an independent candidate, said she was ambushed by about six men as she arrived home around 1 am at her gate in Andrews Cell, Mbarara City North Division.
“I called my girl to open for me the gate, it was around 1:00 am in the middle of the night, as I was waiting, I saw a man come to with a panga, asking me for secrets on my phone, he wielded the panga at me, but luckily enough I went down in the car then he hit the door of my car, i think that saved me,” she recounted.
The assailants reportedly fled with her phone before disappearing into the night. Kemigisha is currently receiving medical treatment at Western Medical and Maternity Centre in Mbarara City.
Rwizi Region police spokesperson Samson Kasasira confirmed the incident, saying investigations were underway.
“I don’t have much details now, but I can confirm the incident. I will get back to you with details; however, our team has started investigating,” Kasasira said.
The attack has drawn condemnation from leaders and residents alike. Denis Twahika, MP for Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality and an independent candidate, described the assault as alarming and called for swift action.
“This must have been a very’friendly’ attack, and for sure, security needs to get interested in this matter. If indeed the Woman MP candidate was targeted, security must bring those attackers before the courts of law, politics of violence must be condemned,” Twahika said.
What were you doing from out at that time and without any companion
But Madam Kemigisha, to say the least; even for a man in a motor vehicle, for a woman being out there at 1:00am alone is not only dangerous but also reckless.
In other words, watch out! Your night habit was being closely monitored that is why you were an easy targeted. You got to thank God the thug didn’t kill you.
But why anybody want to cut another human being with a machete?