By Fred Ssewajje
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 parliamentary campaign teams on July 7 in Nabingoola Sub-county, Kassambya Constituency.
According to eyewitness accounts and Gumisiriza’s own testimony, he was caught up in a confrontation between Kabanda's convoy and that of another NRM aspirant. In the melee, two vehicles and a motorcycle were torched.
Gumisiriza was shot in both legs and is currently receiving treatment at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital.
“I was hired to transport people to a rally in Nabingoola. I never imagined I would end up being shot,” Gumisiriza said from his hospital bed.
“As we approached the sub-county headquarters, Kabanda's team blocked us. When I tried to flee, MP Kabanda shot me.”
His injuries have left him bedridden and unable to fend for his family.
“I’ve been the one supporting my children and my mother. Now I can't even move. I want MP Kabanda to be prosecuted. I did nothing wrong to deserve this.”
Gumisiriza’s brother, Joshua Musinguzi, urged the police to thoroughly investigate the incident.
“My brother is helpless and in pain. Authorities must take this seriously. How did the MP get access to a gun, and why did he use it in a political rally?” he asked.
Their mother, Leonard Twongine, said the family is in crisis.
“My son has four children. Three are already out of school because we can’t afford fees. I don’t know how long he’ll take to recover, or if he ever will.”
She added: “Kabanda should take responsibility for what he has done to our family.”
MP Kabanda has denied shooting Gumisiriza. During a July 9 meeting convened by NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson Tanga Odoi to address campaign violence, Kabanda called for police investigations and pledged to accept disqualification if found culpable.
“I am open to scrutiny,” Kabanda said. “If investigations show I’m responsible, I am ready to face the law and step down.”
Mubende Resident District Commissioner Al-Hajji Umar Lule Mawiya confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that arrests have already been made.
“We are managing the situation. Police have apprehended some suspects, and investigations will continue,” he said.
The NRM party has in recent weeks faced mounting criticism over violent clashes among rival camps in several constituencies.
The Electoral Commission has warned it may suspend candidates found inciting or engaging in violence.