NELSON K
The LC3 Chairperson of Nyakishenyi Sub-county, Wednesday Twinomujuni, together with residents, has expressed concern over increasing allegations of corruption and bribery involving the Officer in Charge (OC) of Nyakishenyi Police post.
Residents accuse the OC, Mugabigwe Christopher, of demanding bribes ranging from 100,000 to 200,000 Ugandan Shillings for police bonds, which, according to Ugandan law, should be free. They also allege that he has failed to resolve minor civil disputes at the local level, instead of forwarding such cases to higher authorities unnecessarily.
Speaking to our reporter, Twinomujuni confirmed that these complaints have been brought to the attention of the Rukungiri District Police Commander (DPC) and Resident District Commissioner (RDC). Following these consultations, Mugabigwe was reportedly transferred from Nyakishenyi Police Station this morning.
Emmanuel Kateramabaare, a resident of Karama Cell, Murama Parish in Nyakishenyi Sub-county, narrated an incident where the OC allegedly demanded a 150,000 UGX bribe to settle a motorcycle-related dispute with another resident, Kenneth Mukimbiri. Kateramabaare and Mukimbiri later resolved the matter peacefully at the village level after Twinomujuni involved the DPC, who directed that the case be closed.
Nkazarirwahabi Francis, the caretaker LC1 Chairperson of Kyondo Village, also alleged that on December 3, 2024, Mugabigwe attempted to have him arrested after he questioned the credentials of a Rwandan individual employed in the village. Francis claimed he had merely sought to verify the individual’s documentation for security purposes, but Mugabigwe allegedly sent officers to arrest him in the middle of the night. The matter was resolved after Twinomujuni intervened and contacted the RDC and DPC.
When contacted for his response, Mugabigwe dismissed the allegations, calling them “rumors and speculation.” He maintained that he has always acted professionally and responsibly in his duties.
Similarly, Rukungiri DPC Apollo Kyangungu denied receiving any formal complaints about Mugabigwe. He described the allegations as false and baseless but urged residents to report any such misconduct through the proper channels, as corruption is a violation of the law.
Residents continue to hope for reforms within Nyakishenyi Police Station to restore public trust and ensure fair and lawful service delivery.
