Rukungiri: LC Chairperson Arrested Over Defacing Gen. Jim Muhwezi’s Campaign Posters

A 42-year-old Local Council (LC) chairperson in Rukungiri District has been arrested for allegedly defacing campaign posters of the Minister for Security and incumbent Rujumbura County Member of Parliament, Rt. Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi Katugugu.

The Kigezi Regional Police Spokesperson, Elly Maate, confirmed the arrest and identified the suspect as Darius Nabasa, the LC1 chairperson of Omukibungo Village, Kanyamahwa Parish, Nyakagyeme Sub-county, Rukungiri District.

Maate said police are still hunting for two other suspects believed to have been involved in the destruction of the posters.

According to police, the incident occurred on January 7, 2026, at around 10:00 PM at Half London Trading Centre in Omukibungo Village. Preliminary investigations indicate that earlier that evening, between 5:30 PM and 5:54 PM, Maj. Gen. Muhwezi, the NRM flag bearer for Rujumbura Constituency, had held a campaign rally at the same trading centre, where his posters were later pinned around the area.

It is alleged that Nabasa, together with others, ordered the removal and destruction of the posters, reportedly insisting that the minister should first seek his permission before holding any campaign activities in the area. The posters were allegedly torn down from areas near the home of one Aryayijuka Obed.

Maate said the matter was reported to Rukungiri Police Station, prompting the launch of investigations. Statements from relevant witnesses have been recorded, the crime scene was visited and documented, and damaged posters were photographed and recovered as exhibits.

“Inquiries are ongoing, and efforts are underway to arrest the remaining suspects,” Maate said.

Police have warned the public against interfering with lawful political activities, emphasizing that destruction of campaign materials is a criminal offense punishable by law.