By A section of local leaders in Kakumiro District have accused Josephat Tumwesigye, a prominent political actor in the area, of inciting tribal divisions and promoting sectarianism under the guise of political mobilization.
Latest
BREAKING: Gov’t Temporarily Suspends EPS Auto Effective Midnight
Traffic Restrictions Announced Ahead of the Budget Reading
Government, Partners Intensify Fight Against Child Labour Ahead of World Day
Why Are Men Missing in Antenatal Clinics? A Gap in Reproductive Health Rights
Ministry of Health Dismisses Claims of COVID-19 Resurgence in Uganda
In what has become a widening rift within the district’s political establishment, a group of leaders who preferred anonymity have expressed deep frustration with what they describe as Tumwesigye’s “divisive and tribal-based politicking,” which they say threatens the social cohesion and peace in the region.
According to these leaders, Tumwesigye has been pressuring political stakeholders to support a candidate fronted under tribal lines specifically, a woman of Kiga origin while sidelining capable and credible Banyoro women who have historically contributed to the region’s development.
”His only message is that it’s time for Bakiga to lead, and if we don’t support his candidate, he vows to field opponents against all of us,” one leader said on the condition of anonymity. “That woman he’s pushing cannot even construct five sentences in English, and yet our own qualified Banyoro women are being ignored.”
The leaders also claim that Tumwesigye’s support for the Vice Chairperson of the district is not just political but personal, alleging that he is using her as a proxy for his interests. “He’s making her a puppet in his tribal agenda,” a source alleged. “Even her appearance and religious practices are reportedly dictated by him.”
The leaders have vowed to petition President Yoweri Museveni to intervene and reign in Tumwesigye, whom they accuse of being the mastermind of the unrest. “For peace to return to Kakumiro, Josephat must leave our politics. He is not a unifier. He has divided the church, the political establishment, and even families,” said one visibly agitated local official.
They further allege that Tumwesigye, who hails from Kabale, is manipulating Bakiga communities within Kakumiro by telling them not to vote for any Munyoro candidate. “He goes to Bakiga homes at night and tells them to chase Banyoro from Bunyoro. What kind of leadership is that?” one of the officials asked.
Other claims suggest that Tumwesigye once misappropriated funds meant for campaign operations and has previously used forged identities to promote his interests. “He even used the name of someone popular for dancing for the Prime Minister just to get funding,” one insider claimed.
The leaders also accused him of past vote-rigging and of deliberately sidelining other capable Banyoro candidates, including the daughter of a historical leader, who they say is more experienced and qualified.
Meanwhile, local religious leaders have reportedly raised concerns about Tumwesigye’s efforts to convert other denominations to his faith, including allegedly pressuring the Vice Chairperson to become an Adventist.
There is growing fear that if the situation is not addressed, it could lead to wider unrest in the district. “If any tribal or religious conflict erupts in Kakumiro, it will be on Josephat’s hands. He must go for peace to prevail,” one local elder warned.
Despite the escalating tensions, Josephat Tumwesigye has not responded to the allegations. Efforts to reach him for comment were unsuccessful by press time.
