KAKUMIRO
Political tensions are rising in Kakumiro as local leaders and stakeholders accuse a political figure, and Bugangaizi South MP Josephat Tumwesigye, of spreading tribal divisions against the indigenous Banyoro community and destabilizing peace efforts within the district.
Reports have it that the district Chairman LC5 Joseph Ssentayi Ssenkusu and minister Hon. Byamukama Fred have reportedly voiced their concerns regarding Josephat’s actions in vain. The Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja Musafiri, a native of the land and Kakumiro district Woman MP has reportedly spoke out against peddling tribal and religious sentiments in the district, but everything was given a deaf ear.
It is alleged that the accused legislator has taken a step to fronting tribesman to rage political rivalry against Nabbanja for district Woman MP in the coming elections.
“He is backing a fellow ‘Mukiga’ woman candidate, while sidelining qualified Banyoro women,” anonymous sources told his publication.
Josephat is said to have repeatedly told Ssentayi and Byamukama, “We Bakiga also want to take lead of the district. If you don’t support this, we will front candidates against you.” The Prime Minister remarked that such tribal rhetoric could drag the region into tribal turmoil and urged locals and leaders to desist from such.
In response to the rising tensions, some leaders are reportedly planning to appeal directly to President Museveni to intervene and possibly force Josephat out of district politics, arguing that he is a “bad influence” who continuously foments tribal discord.
Historical context adds more fuel to the fire. Critics argue that Josephat is representing a constituency originally carved out from a Banyoro dominated area – Bugangaizi West, which they say “gave birth” to Bugangaizi South. They insist that Josephat should stop popping his nose in Kakumiro politics, but rather he should concentrate on designated constituency, as agreed in prior district zoning.
Further allegations shows that Josephat is being backed by the Deputy Speaker to propagate his agendas. “Josephat doesn’t even appreciate the Banyoro who welcomed him and helped him settle here,” said a source close to the conflict.
Vote Rigging and Financial Misconduct
Josephat’s critics further claim he has a history of vote rigging. He is accused of manipulating election results against a Professor in the previous election and allegedly stealing campaign funds collected by Byamukama to challenge Prime Minister Nabbanja. These funds, they claim, were obtained under the guise of someone else’s identity — a person previously recognized for composing political campaign songs.
Ssentayi, the district chairman, is said to be deeply troubled by the situation. Sources say he feels used by Josephat in schemes he does not support. “Even if the President tries to reconcile them, nothing will change as long as Josephat remains in the system,” a source quoted him saying. There are growing fears that such division could push voters towards the opposition.
According to reports, Josephat has allegedly been moving door-to-door in Bakiga communities at night, persuading them not to vote for Banyoro candidates — a move widely viewed as an attempt to ethnically dominate local politics. “Where does he want us to take Banyoro?” one community leader asked.
In the face of these mounting accusations, many locals and leaders alike are calling for Josephat’s exit from Kakumiro’s political landscape. “He is not a man of unity,” one said. “He fights those who helped him get land in Bunyoro. If any unrest happens, Josephat will be at the center of it.”
