Former Independent aspirant for Ntungamo District LC5 Chairperson, John Kabeeho Kigungu, and his supporters have petitioned security authorities over alleged police brutality and unlawful arrests following an incident at his office in Ntungamo Municipality.
Kabeeho alleges that police officers led by the District Police Commander (DPC), Mwesigwa Joshua, stormed his office on Tuesday evening shortly after he had concluded a meeting with his district agents and coordinators. He claims that police officers beat several people who were present, arrested 11 of his supporters—including himself—confiscated mobile phones, and impounded motorcycles and a motor vehicle.
The arrested individuals were later released on police bond at around 9:00pm on Sunday.
Addressing journalists on morning, Kabeeho criticised the police for what he described as abuse of authority and failure to act professionally. He said he had formally informed police about the meeting, questioning why officers later turned against what he described as a peaceful gathering. He accused the police of taking the law into their own hands by using force against civilians.
Kabeeho further expressed concern over what he termed as selective enforcement of the law, alleging that police failed to ensure a peaceful, free, and fair electoral process. He also claimed that some of his agents were abducted during the election period and remain unaccounted for. He attributed the alleged abductions and intimidation of his supporters to political opponents and what he described as influential individuals in the district.
Several supporters who were reportedly affected by the incident also voiced their grievances. Some claimed they sustained injuries during the police operation, while others alleged they were detained for several hours before being released late at night, forcing them to seek medical treatment. There were also claims that police confiscated phones and compelled detainees to delete video footage allegedly showing the officers’ actions.
Kabeeho and his supporters are now calling upon the police leadership and the Electoral Commission to investigate the incident and address what they describe as electoral irregularities. They allege that their victory was unfairly overturned in favour of the incumbent LC5 Chairperson, Samuel Muchunguzi Rwakigoba, accusing his camp of voter intimidation and bribery of electoral officials.
Security authorities had not yet issued an official statement by press time.
