KABALE – Leaders and residents in Kabale District are demanding for an apology from Kabale District Chairperson Nelson Nshangabasheija and Kabale Municipality Mayor Emmanuel Sentaro Byamugisha following a recent incident captured on CCTV. The footage allegedly shows Mayor Byamugisha being assaulted by District Chairman Nshangabasheija for reasons yet to be disclosed.
The incident occurred on October 2, 2023, at a bar in Igongo Country Hotel and Cultural Center in Mbarara City. District leaders from Kabale, Rubanda, Ntungamo, Rwampara, Rukungiri, and Kanungu districts had gathered for a two-day Local Governments’ Budget Consultative workshop.
The CCTV footage reveals Nshangabasheija strangling Byamugisha, who retaliates by attempting to strike him with a bar stool. Nshangabasheija proceeds to hit Byamugisha several times on the head, causing him to fall to the ground. Nshangabasheija is then seen leaving the scene with an unidentified woman.
In response to the footage, individuals, including leaders, have taken to social media to condemn the actions depicted.
Robert Kakuru, a resident of Kabale District, expressed disapproval of the leaders’ behavior, citing the inappropriateness of such conduct during a budget conference. He emphasized that, as prominent leaders, they should be aware of the leadership code of conduct. Kakukuru called for the two leaders to publicly apologize.
CUE IN KAKURU… ON PUBLIC APOLOGY… RR/ENG//
Sam Arinaitwe, the LC3 Chairman for Central Division, Kabale Municipality, acknowledged that conflicts can arise but stressed that the actions of the two leaders paint a negative image for the public. He strongly condemned the incident, noting that it may lead to a loss of self-respect in the eyes of the public. Arinaitwe raised concerns about potential disruptions to service delivery if the two leaders cannot collaborate effectively.
CUE IN ARINAITWE… ON THE APOLOGY… RR/ENG//
Samson Kasasira, the Rwizi region Police spokesperson, confirmed that the matter was reported to Biharwe Police Station in Mbarara City. The file was processed and submitted to the Regional State Attorney. Kasasira added that the two leaders later requested the police to recall the file after opting to settle the matter out of court.
CUE IN KASASIRA… ON INCIDENT… RR/ENG//
When contacted, Byamugisha declined to comment on the matter, while Nshangabasheija promised to return the call, stating that he was in a meeting. As of the press time, Nshangabasheija had not returned the call.
CUE IN NELSON… ON COMMENT… RR//
This is not the first instance of the Kabale chairperson LC5 and the municipality mayor engaging in a public dispute due to a misunderstanding.
