"MP Kabanda Shot Me" – Family Cries for Justice After Campaign Rally Turns Violent

A family in Mubende District is demanding justice after Rogers Gumisiriza, a father of four, was allegedly shot by area MP David Kabanda during violent clashes between rival NRM campaign teams on July 7 in Nabingoola Sub-county, Kassambya Constituency.Eyewitnesses and Gumisiriza himself claim he was caught in a confrontation between MP Kabanda’s convoy and that of another NRM aspirant. During the chaos, two vehicles and a motorcycle were burned, intensifying the violence at the scene.

Gumisiriza says he was shot in both legs while fleeing the scene and is currently undergoing treatment at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital. He had been hired to transport people to the rally and claims he never expected to be attacked.

"MP Kabanda blocked our vehicle. When I tried to escape, he shot me," Gumisiriza said from his hospital bed. Now bedridden, he says he cannot support his children or elderly mother and is demanding Kabanda’s prosecution.

MP Kabanda has denied shooting Gumisiriza but said he is “open to scrutiny.” He added that if investigations prove him responsible, he is ready to face the law and resign. His remarks were made during a July 9 NRM meeting.

Mubende Resident District Commissioner Al-Haji Umar Lule Mawiya confirmed that police have made arrests and investigations are ongoing. He assured the public that the situation is being managed and justice will follow due process.

The NRM party has come under fire for increasing cases of violence between rival candidates in recent weeks. The Electoral Commission has warned it will suspend candidates inciting or engaging in violence.

Gumisiriza’s brother, Joshua Musinguzi, called for a thorough investigation, questioning how a legislator accessed and used a firearm at a political event. He stressed the need for accountability and justice for his injured sibling.

Their mother, Leonard Twongine, said the family is struggling. “Three of the children are out of school now. We have no income,” she said tearfully. “Kabanda must take responsibility for destroying our lives.”