Security authorities in Rubanda District are holding four suspects in connection with the alleged stoning and damage of a motor vehicle belonging to State Minister for Finance (General Duties) Henry Ariganyira Musasizi.
The suspects are Kenneth Owoyesiga, Apollo Tumusingyize also known as Map, Bruno Ndamwesiga, and Isaac Ainebyoona, all residents of Hamuhambo Town Council.
They are accused of throwing stones at the minister’s convoy, shattering the windows of one of the vehicles as it left a campaign rally. The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday July 3, 2025, at around 6:40 p.m. at Hakashanje Playground in Nyakahanga Village, Bushura Parish.
Authorities have also named six other individuals as wanted in connection with the same incident. They have been identified only by their first names as Calist, Joshua, Rogers, Pulica, Ambrose, and Yun.
Musasizi, the incumbent Rubanda East Member of Parliament, was addressing supporters during a campaign rally as he seeks a fourth term in office. He was accompanied by Rubanda District LC5 Chairperson Stephen Ampeire Kasyaba, who is also seeking re-election.
During the rally, Musasizi warned against acts of intimidation and harassment targeting his supporters. Kasyaba, while addressing the same gathering, cautioned residents of Hamuhambo Town Council that they risk losing access to government services if they fail to support both him and Musasizi in the upcoming elections.
A security source who preferred anonymity confirmed that the suspects are being detained at Rubanda Police Station on allegations of malicious damage to property.
Rubanda Resident District Commissioner Eric Ssewandigi said investigations are ongoing and that suspects found to have no case will be released. He emphasized the need for peaceful and violence-free campaigns.
However, the arrests have attracted sharp criticism from Kenneth Jogo Biryabarema, Musasizi’s rival in the National Resistance Movement party primaries for the Rubanda East parliamentary seat. Jogo claims that all those arrested are his campaign agents.
On Sunday night, he went to Rubanda Police Station demanding their release, but District Police Commander Abel Barugahare reportedly declined to meet him.
Speaking to our reporter, Jogo alleged that his supporters are being harassed and intimidated in a bid to weaken his campaign. He said the arrested individuals were not present at Musasizi’s rally and questioned why the damaged vehicle has not been brought to the police station as evidence.
The rivalry between Musasizi and Biryabarema dates back to the 2021 elections. During that campaign season, tensions rose when eight of Biryabarema’s supporters were reportedly assaulted at a rally in Bubare Sub-county after Musasizi’s team allegedly blocked access to the Kashaki Catholic Church compound. Although Biryabarema lost the contest, the political tension between the two camps remains high ahead of the 2026 elections.
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