BUSHENYI
Police in Bushenyi District are investigating a suspected plot involving the use of charms allegedly intended for Woman MP Hon. Annet Katusiime during her campaign rally, raising concerns of witchcraft-linked political schemes as campaigns intensify.
It is alleged that some people recruited Godwin Natweta, 45, a Boda Boda Rider to deliver a gift bag to the legislator during her rally at Kyeizooba Primary School playgrounds on November 10.
The group included Natweta’s cousin sister a one Anna (surname not disclosed) who took him to Mbarara where they met two other suspects identified as Enid, a businesswoman and alleged owner of Mogas fuel station in Biharwe and Bushenyi, and another yet to identify man. The trio promised Natweta a Shs6 million reward if he delivered the gift package to Katusiime. Both Anna and Enid are stronghold supporters of a rival candidate in the Bushenyi District Woman MP race.
The group allegedly took his phone and briefed him on the mission, emphasizing that the act had to be executed in the middle of a crowd where the MP would not notice the contact.
Fearing for his life, Natweta did not decline the deal, believing he could be harmed. However, he was quick to sense danger and alerted the legislator’s Political Assistant, Elineo who informed the targeted victim (Hon. Katusiime) days to campaign day.
The legislator’s office then arranged to meet him and instructed him to maintain contact with the suspects so the plot could be exposed safely.
On the fateful day (November 10), Natweta showed up with the gift package and was intercepted by the MP’s security team who handed him to police. The case, was registered at Bushenyi Central Police Station under GEF 69/2025, and a search was prompted.
Police recovered a bag from Natweta containing a wrapped box of Buganda kombucha drink holding a T-shirt branded with President Museveni’s image, an empty calabash, a clay plate with a cock’s head and suspected charms, and a small basket containing another cock’s head and additional suspected charms. The items, often associated with ritual practices, were concealed as a campaign “gift” allegedly meant to be rubbed on Hon. Katusiime during the crowded rally.
The alleged plan was for the suspect to discreetly brush the “gift” against the MP during her interaction with supporters, a move believed may have been intended for ritual harm, intimidation, or manipulation.
Police says they are focusing on the possibility of ritual intentions behind the recovered items, commonly linked to occult practices.
Meanwhile as they establish the suspects’ motive in using charms, and summoning them for questioning.
The recovered exhibits will according to police be subjected to forensic analysis at the Government Analytical Laboratory.
Other pending inquiries include retrieving CCTV footage and call data to map out the coordination. Police say inquiries are ongoing, and further updates will be provided as investigations progress.
