Rukungiri LC I Chairperson Arrested Over Defacement of Jim Muhwezi Campaign Posters

Rukungiri: Police in Rukungiri District have arrested a 42-year-old Local Council I chairperson in connection with the alleged defacement of campaign posters belonging to Hon. Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi Katugugu, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer for Rujumbura Constituency.

The suspect, identified as Darius Nabasa, the LC I chairperson of Omukibungo village in Kanyamahwa Parish, Nyakagyeme Sub-county, is currently detained at Rukungiri Police Station. Police are still hunting for two other suspects believed to have been involved in the incident.

According to police, Nabasa was arrested on Sunday, January 11, 2026, following investigations into an incident that allegedly occurred on January 7, 2026, at around 10:00 pm at Half London Trading Centre, located in Omukibungo village, Nyakagyeme Sub-county.

It is alleged that earlier on the same day, between 5:30 pm and 5:54 pm, Hon. Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi Katugugu held a campaign rally at Half London Trading Centre in Omukibungo village, Rushasha Parish, Nyakagyeme Sub-county, during which campaign posters were pinned around the area.

Police further allege that the suspects, acting under the instructions of Darius Nabasa, demanded that Hon. Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi first seek permission from the local chairperson before holding any political rally in the area. It is claimed that Nabasa later ordered people to destroy all campaign posters that had been pinned near the home of one Aryayijuka Obed.

The matter was reported to Rukungiri Police Station, prompting the launch of investigations. Police recorded statements from relevant witnesses, visited the crime scene, and recovered exhibits, including damaged campaign posters, which were photographed for evidential purposes.

Police say inquiries are still ongoing and efforts to arrest the remaining suspects are underway.

The statement was confirmed by ASP Maate Elly, the Kigezi Regional Police Spokesperson.