Kakumiro District police this afternoon dispersed a group of protesters demonstrating against the arrest and remand of Onesmus Twinamatsiko, the NRM parliamentary flag bearer for Bugangaizi East constituency.
Twinamatsiko was arrested and arraigned before the Kibaale Chief Magistrates Court on Wednesday, charged with assault and causing bodily harm to Prime Minister Robina Nabbanja. He pleaded not guilty and requested bail, but the court remanded him until September 10th. The alleged incident occurred on July 17 at the Kakumiro NRM offices during the declaration of parliamentary election results, following a disagreement between Twinamatsiko and Nabbanja at the tally center.
Protesters, including women, youth, and the elderly, marched through Kisiita Town Council, demanding the immediate release of Twinamatsiko. They claimed the arrest was politically motivated and sought intervention from President Museveni to resolve internal conflicts among NRM leaders in the district, particularly between Twinamatsiko and Nabbanja. Some demonstrators described the dispute as tribal and expressed concern that it could affect NRM’s electoral prospects in Kakumiro.
Chris Mary Kusima, Chairperson of Women for Kyangota A, questioned why a political disagreement should lead to the arrest of a party flag bearer, noting that the Prime Minister allegedly supports the incumbent, Aisha Agaba, who lost the party flag.
Christopher Sabiti, another supporter, warned that unresolved tensions could cost NRM significant support in the district.
Moses Twimukye, Kisita Sub-County Chairperson, claimed there were intentions to keep Twinamatsiko in prison until nominations, and threatened that supporters could march to party headquarters in Kampala if this occurred.
Police, led by ASP Peter Muyemba, the Officer in Charge of Kisiita Police Station, intervened to disperse the demonstrators after several hours of confrontation.
ASP Muyemba said the protest was illegal, as the organizers had not officially notified police, and added that residents cannot demonstrate over matters currently before the courts.
He warned that police would not allow the protests to escalate into disorder.
The situation highlights growing tensions within the NRM in Kakumiro ahead of the upcoming nominations, underscoring concerns over internal party disputes and their potential impact on local elections.