A campaign rally at Hamucwamba, Rubuguri Town Council in Bukimbiri County, Kisoro District, turned tense on Monday afternoon following a public altercation between parliamentary candidates Hon. Asigario Turyagyenda and Hon. Eddie Kwizera Wa Gahungu.
The incident occurred when Hon. Kwizera began distributing bottled water to his supporters during the rally. Hon. Asigario, citing concerns about coordination and adherence to the campaign schedule, reportedly asked Kwizera to return to the designated assembly point before continuing.
This sparked a heated exchange, with Kwizera defiantly rejecting Asigario’s directive and questioning his authority to interfere.
In a stern rebuttal, Hon. Kwizera warned that he would report Asigario to the NRM party’s national registrar if he persisted. The confrontation drew immediate attention from supporters, many of whom rallied behind Kwizera and demanded that Asigario leave the venue.
Hon. Asigario left the rally peacefully but later vowed to file a formal complaint with the Kisoro District NRM leadership over his rival’s conduct.
Before his departure, Asigario addressed his supporters, reaffirming his commitment to improving education, healthcare, access to clean water, and market access for farmers in Bukimbiri.
Despite the altercation, both candidates proceeded with their campaigns and later held events in Rushaga Ward.
Commenting on the situation, Mr. Simon Tiwangye, the NRM registrar in Rubuguri, clarified that no official directive had been issued to restrict any candidate from addressing supporters after the sanctioned campaign program.
In his defense, Hon. Kwizera said, “The registrar has no authority to stop me from speaking to my people.”
The clash highlights the intensifying rivalry between the two candidates, each enjoying significant grassroots support. As the election approaches, tensions appear to be rising in what is shaping up to be a fiercely contested race in Bukimbiri.
