At least four suspects have been arrested on allegations of stoning and damaging the motor vehicle belonging to the state minister for Finance (General Duties), Henry Ariganyira Musasizi.
The suspects; Kenneth Owoyesiga, Apollo Tumusingyize alias Map, Bruno Ndamwesiga, and Isaac Ainebyoona are all residents of Hamuhambo town council. Authorities have also listed six other suspects, identified only by first names Calist, Joshua, Rogers, Pulica, Ambrose, and Yun as wanted.
The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at around 6:40 pm at Hakashanje playground, located in Nyakahanga village, Bushura parish, shortly after Musasizi had addressed a campaign rally.
Musasizi, the incumbent Rubanda East MP, was campaigning for a fourth term and was accompanied by Rubanda district LC V chairperson, Stephen Ampeire Kasyaba, who is also seeking re-election for a second term.
The suspects are accused of hurling stones at the minister’s convoy, shattering the windows of his vehicle as it departed the rally venue. During the rally, Musasizi issued a warning to those he accused of intimidating or harassing his supporters.
Stephen Ampeire Kasyaba, speaking at the same rally, warned residents of Hamuhambo town council that they risk losing access to government services if they do not support him and Musasizi in the upcoming elections.
A security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the suspects are being detained at Rubanda police station on allegations of malicious damage. Eric Ssewandigi, the Rubanda resident district commissioner (RDC), told our reporter that investigations are ongoing, and suspects found with no case will be released.
He emphasized the importance of violence-free elections. The arrests have drawn sharp criticism from Kenneth Jogo Biryabarema, Musasizi’s strong rival in the NRM party primaries for the same parliamentary seat. Jogo claims all those arrested are his campaign agents.
On Sunday night, Jogo stormed Rubanda police station demanding their release, but the district police commander, Abel Barugahare, reportedly avoided meeting him. Jogo later told our reporter that his supporters are being harassed and intimidated to discourage them from supporting his candidature, adding that the arrested individuals were not even present at Musasizi’s rally.
He also questioned the whereabouts of the alleged damaged vehicle, noting that it has not been presented at the police station as evidence. The rivalry between Musasizi and Biryabarema dates back to the 2021 elections, which were marred by violence.
During a campaign rally in Bubare sub-county, eight of Biryabarema’s supporters were reportedly assaulted after Musasizi’s team allegedly blocked access to the Kashaki Catholic Church compound. Although Biryabarema lost the 2021 contest, the political tension between the two camps remains high ahead of the 2026 elections.
How can such a minister declare such nonsense against the people of Rubanda not to get any government services if they do not re-elect such NRM minister. He is the one guilty of inciting the electorate mandate to violence, in these so called national elections of this country. It seems NRM is this bad habit of telling off those who do not want to elect them, as bad decision makers. Probably that is why NRM rigs national elections by all sorts of means to win 100 percent these dodgy national elections!
why was ,y comment removed? Too close to home? Shame on you