Senior Reporter
Leaders and residents in Kabale District are calling for an apology from Kabale District Chairperson Nelson Nshangabasheija and Kabale Municipality Mayor Emmanuel Sentaro Byamugisha following a recent incident captured on CCTV. The footage allegedly shows Mayor Byamugisha being assaulted by District Chairman Nshangabasheija for reasons that are not yet disclosed.
The incident occurred on October 2, 2023, at a bar in Igongo Country Hotel and Cultural Center in Mbarara City. District leaders from Kabale, Rubanda, Ntungamo, Rwampara, Rukungiri, and Kanungu districts had gathered for a two-day Local Governments’ Budget Consultative workshop.
The CCTV footage shows Nshangabasheija strangling Byamugisha, who tries to strike him with a bar stool in retaliation. Nshangabasheija proceeds to hit Byamugisha several times on the head, causing him to fall to the ground. Nshangabasheija is then seen leaving the scene with an unidentified woman.
In response to the footage, people, including leaders, have taken to social media to condemn the actions depicted.
Robert Kakuru, a resident of Kabale District, disapproved of the leaders’ behavior, emphasizing the inappropriateness of such conduct during a budget conference. He called for the two leaders to publicly apologize, highlighting their responsibility as prominent leaders who should be aware of the leadership code of conduct.
Sam Arinaitwe, the LC3 Chairman for Central Division, Kabale Municipality, acknowledged that conflicts can arise but strongly condemned the incident, as it tarnishes the leaders’ public image. He expressed concerns about potential disruptions to service delivery if the two leaders cannot collaborate effectively.
Samson Kasasira, the Rwizi region Police spokesperson, confirmed that the matter was reported to Biharwe Police Station in Mbarara City. The file was processed and submitted to the Regional State Attorney. Kasasira added that the two leaders later requested the police to recall the file after opting to settle the matter out of court.
When contacted, Byamugisha declined to comment on the matter, while Nshangabasheija promised to return the call, stating that he was in a meeting. As of the press time, Nshangabasheija had not returned the call.
