Kakumiro Police quell protests against former MP Twinamatsiko remand

KAKUMIRO - The Police in Kakumiro district on Thursday dispersed rowdy protesters who were opposed to the continued remand of former legislator Onesmus Twinamatsiko.

Twinamatsiko was charged and remanded over allegations of assaulting (Slapping) Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja.

The suspect (Twinamatsiko), also the parliamentary flag bearer for Bugangaizi East constituency, was recently endorsed as the party nominee for the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).

On Wednesday (September 3, 2025), he was arraigned before the Kibaale chief magistrates' court presided over by Nasifa Namayanja, charged with assault and causing bodily harm to the Premier Nabbanja, whom she allegedly slapped.

The court heard that he slapped Nabanjja in a scuffle during the declaration of NRM Party primaries’ results for parliamentary elections on July 17, at Kakumiro NRM party offices. 

Though the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges and asked for bail, the magistrate remanded him to Kibaale government prison until September 10 this year.

On Thursday, demonstrators took to the streets of Kisiita town council demanding the immediate release of Twinamatsiko from prison, citing injustice, sectarianism, hatred and dirty politics.

Carrying placards, protesters claimed that Twinamatsiko's arrest and remand were not clear but politically motivated.

"We can not accept this kind of injustice and dirty politics by those in high positions can not be tolerated. We want our flag bearer to be released immediately. This is intrigue and sectarian tendencies promoted by our leaders, supposed to unite us," one of the protesters, Jane Tukamushaba, said.

Twinamatsiko (C) was charged and remanded over allegations of assaulting (Slapping) Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja. (Credit: Andrew Musinguzi)

Joseph Sentayi Senkusu, the Chairperson LC5 Kakumiro said, The circumstances under which Onesmas Twinamasiko was arrested and remanded are unfounded.

"We want the plaintiff to adduce evidence to that effect. We cannot continue with this impunity in our district," he demanded.

The demonstrators demanded that President Museveni personally intervene to resolve the ongoing internal conflicts among top NRM leaders in the district.

Michael Alindwamukama, the Kisiita Town Council district councillor and Moses Twimukye, the Kisiita Sub-County LC3 Chairperson, note that the NRM flag bearer for Bugangaizi East County was arrested under unclear circumstances and demand a clear explanation from the plaintiff (Nabbanja).

Wilson Mucunguzi and Harriet Twingane, all residents of Kisiita Town Council, have demanded that the Court grant bail to Twinamasiko due to unfounded allegations of assault and causing bodily harm.

Police commanded by ASP Peter Kuyemba, the officer in charge of Kisiita police station, immediately swung into action and dispersed the rowdy residents, accusing them of not seeking legality for demonstration from relevant authorities.

According to Kuyemba, it was illegal for the demonstrators to protest since they had not officially notified the police in writing.

He further stated that the residents cannot demonstrate over an issue that is now before the court.

"We can not just leave people to demonstrate illegally. They should have got permission from security agencies. For us, our work is to keep law and order as well as detecting crime. If we had allowed this illegal demonstration to take place, there would be more chaos and loss of property," said Kuyemba.

For hours, the protesters were engaged in a running battle with the police within Kisiita town council until they were overpowered by Police.