Four Arrested for Stoning Minister Musasizi’s Vehicle in Rubanda

Security authorities in Rubanda district are holding four suspects over the alleged stoning and damaging of a motor vehicle belonging to State Minister for Finance (General Duties), Henry Ariganyira Musasizi. 

The suspects — Kenneth Owoyesiga, Apollo Tumusingyize alias Map, Bruno Ndamwesiga, and Isaac Ainebyoona — are all residents of Hamuhambo Town Council. Authorities have also listed six others, identified only by first names — Calist, Joshua, Rogers, Pulica, Ambrose, and Yun — as wanted.

The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at around 6:40 p.m. at Hakashanje Playground, located in Nyakahanga village, Bushura parish, shortly after Minister Musasizi had addressed a campaign rally. Musasizi, the incumbent Rubanda East MP, was campaigning for a fourth term and was accompanied by Rubanda District LC5 Chairperson, Stephen Ampeire Kasyaba, who is also seeking re-election for a second term.

The suspects are accused of hurling stones at the minister’s convoy, shattering the windows of his vehicle as it departed the rally venue. During the rally, Musasizi issued a warning to those he accused of intimidating or harassing his supporters:

Stephen Ampeire Kasyaba, speaking at the same rally, warned residents of Hamuhambo Town Council that they risk losing access to government services if they do not support him and Musasizi in the upcoming elections. A security source, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the suspects are being detained at Rubanda Police Station on allegations of malicious damage.

Eric Ssewandigi, the Rubanda Resident District Commissioner (RDC), told our reporter that investigations are ongoing, and suspects found with no case will be released. He emphasized the importance of violence-free elections.

The arrests have drawn sharp criticism from Kenneth Jogo Biryabarema, Musasizi’s strong rival in the NRM party primaries for the same parliamentary seat. Jogo claims all those arrested are his campaign agents. On Sunday night, Jogo stormed Rubanda Police Station demanding their release, but District Police Commander Abel Barugahare reportedly avoided meeting him.

Jogo says his supporters are being harassed and intimidated to discourage them from supporting his candidature, adding that the arrested individuals were not even present at Musasizi’s rally. He also questioned the whereabouts of the alleged damaged vehicle, noting that it has not been presented at the police station as evidence.

The rivalry between Musasizi and Biryabarema dates back to the 2021 elections, which were marred by violence. During a campaign rally in Bubare Sub-county, eight of Biryabarema’s supporters were reportedly assaulted after Musasizi’s team allegedly blocked access to the Kashaki Catholic Church compound. Although Biryabarema lost the 2021 contest, the political tension between the two camps remains high ahead of the 2026 elections.