Police probe clashes between rival supporters in Bufumbira South race

__________________

Police in Kisoro district are investigating clashes between supporters of two parliamentary contenders for the Bufumbira South constituency, incumbent Sam Niyonsaba and rival Sam Bitangaro.

The clashes reportedly occurred on January 9, 2026, following campaign activities in Muramba sub-county.

Kigezi region police spokesperson Elly Maate said investigations were underway into allegations of assault and destruction of property arising from the political violence.

“The territorial police in Kisoro are investigating circumstances under which some people were allegedly assaulted and property destroyed as a result of political clashes between supporters of Bitangaro and those of Niyonsaba, who are both candidates of Bufumbira South Constituency in Kisoro district,” Maate said.

Maate identified the injured victims as Agnes Nyirabahizi, Julius Ssemuchu and Emmanuel Rukundo.

He added that the victims whose houses or property were destroyed include Mariana Nyirantereye, Innocent Niyonzima, Emmanuel Rukundo and Donant Sebahinzi.

According to police, the violence followed Bitangaro’s campaign activities in Muramba subcounty, which is described as a stronghold of Niyonsaba and his home area.

“It's alleged that, on Friday, January 9, 2026, at around 6:30 p.m., after Bitangaro had had his campaigns in Muramba sub-county, which is a stronghold of Niyonsaba since it's his home area. That, as Bitangaro was going back home, a one Ntegereje, a known supporter who was on his convoy, saw a woman called Agnes Nyirabahizi, a known supporter of Niyonsaba, and he allegedly incited the supporters by telling them that she was the woman who always disturbed them,” Maate said.

Police said the incitement prompted Bitangaro’s supporters to chase Nyirabahizi and assault her, after which the violence spread to other Niyonsaba supporters in the area.

“The violence extended to other supporters of Niyonsaba who were around and were also beaten, and their houses stoned. The violence also left the glasses of Niyonsaba's office, which is located in Muramba subcounty, broken by the stones which were thrown around,” Maate added.

Maate said police responded swiftly after receiving information about the clashes, restoring calm in the area and rescuing victims who sustained minor injuries.

“Some nine suspects involved were identified and will accordingly be apprehended and produced before courts of law,” Maate stated.

The clashes come just four days before Uganda heads to the polls on January 15, 2026, to elect presidential, parliamentary and local government leaders.