RUBANDA RESIDENTS STORM KIGEZI REGIONAL POLICE HEADQTRS DEMANDING RELEASE OF THEIR COLLEAGUES

BY AMBROSE KWERONDA

IN KABALE/RUBANDA

Residents of Rubanda East Friday stormed the Kigezi Regional Police Headquarters, demanding the release of their fellow villagers arrested in connection with a mob attack on a suspected thief.

The suspects arrested identified as Alex Matsiko, Richard Begira, and Amos Atuhaire Kibibi—are believed to have participated in the mob assault on Joab Ainembabazi, a resident of Rwamuzoka village in Bigungiro Parish, Nyamweru Subcounty. The incident occurred on Saturday, October 12, 2024.

The protesting residents hailed from seven villages: Rwamuzuka, Kagoyi, Keru, Ikamiro, Nyakabingo, Nyamiyaga, and Rwakaruma, all within Bigungiro Parish, as well as Kaziniro, Biraraara, Rukore, and Murambi from Muyanje Ward of Bubaare Town Council.

The residents expressed their frustration over ongoing thefts of livestock and other property. Led by Denise Namanya Keru, Edward Niwahereza from Kagoyi, Prossy Turyamureeba from Bigungiro Trading Center, and Julius Katiraho, they voiced concerns that thieves are undermining government initiatives. They explained that funds received from the parish development model were used to purchase animals, which have since been stolen, leaving them unable to repay the government.

Local leaders from Bigungiro also called on Rubanda District leaders and their Member of Parliament, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning (General Duties) Henry Musasiizi, to take action to address the long-standing issue of theft in their community.

Led by Fred Byakwaga, Chairman LC2 of Bigungiro Parish, alongside Gilbert Katushabe (Chairman LCI, Bigungiro Trading Centre), Alex Tabaruka (Vice Chairman, Bigungiro Trading Centre), and Docus Narohoza (Nyamweru Subcounty Councillor representing Bigungiro Parish women), they criticized the police for their lack of response to their calls for intervention. They argued that police only react after mob violence occurs, and they requested the immediate release of the arrested individuals to restore peace in the community.

The leaders also raised concerns about why the suspects are being held in Kabale District instead of their home district of Rubanda

As the residents peacefully marched from Bigungiro Trading Center to the Kigezi Regional Police Headquarters in Kabale District, Police Commander ACP Ibrahim Saiga assured them that their concerns would be addressed after the upcoming Kisoro women’s parliamentary by-elections. He promised to work with local leaders to find a lasting solution and urged residents not to take the law into their own hands.