RUKIGA, UGANDA – Former Rukiga District Chairperson aspirant, Hon. Michael Kwarikunda Mbareba, has filed a lawsuit against Dan Rwamagyenda, the father of his political rival, alleging assault and theft against his campaign agent.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Michael Mbareba is suing Dan Rwamagyenda, the father of his rival Simon Mutebi Rwamagyenda, on a series of charges stemming from a violent attack on Mbareba’s agent, one Brian, during the January 22nd polling day.
An alleged election-day attack at the Customs border in Kamwezi Sub-County, now on record at the local police station (SD Ref: 17/22/01/2026), has escalated the post-election conflict from the polls to the courts.
It is alleged that Mr. Dan Rwamagyenda, driving his son’s older model Toyota Land Cruiser (Registration: Chumika), accompanied by individuals armed with sticks, waylaid Mr. Brian, an agent for Hon. Mbareba.
The victim, Brian, was severely beaten, had his car’s rear window smashed, and his phones and money stolen, leaving him with injuries for which he is receiving medical treatment.
In an exclusive interview, Hon. Michael Kwarikunda Mbareba confirmed his direct legal action, expressing profound dismay at the nature of the violence.
“My mind is still reeling that a sound-minded person, a fellow human being, could commit such acts over an election. I am pursuing legal action against Dan Rwamagyenda for the serious harm to my agent and the theft of his property. For an elder to partake in such inhumane violence is beyond my comprehension,” Mbareba stated.
He further lamented the breakdown of community cohesion, questioning the mindset of someone who would orchestrate violence in a temporary electoral process, after which the community must continue to live together.
The lawsuit unfolds against a backdrop of Rukiga’s highly contested elections, where a sharp increase in voter turnout figures has raised questions.
The total vote count increased from 34,136 in 2021 to 39,307 in 2026, a 5,171-vote increase that some observers claim far exceeds new voter registrations, raising concerns about the poll’s integrity.
Insiders and electoral observers point to allegations of irregularities in several parishes of Kamwezi Sub-County, specifically naming Kigara, Kashekye, Kyogo, and Kyabuhangwa.
The 2021 contest was won by Robert Mbabazi Kakwerere (NRM, 20,200 votes), with Michael Kwarikunda Mbareba (FDC) receiving 12,308.
This year, Simon Mutebi Rwamagyenda (NRM) claimed the seat with 21,028 votes, and Michael Kwarikunda Mbareba followed with 17,878.
The legal action by Hon. Mbareba signifies a new front in the dispute over the Rukiga election, moving the battle from the political arena to the judicial system.
The case at Kamwezi Police Station remains active, and all eyes are now on the courts as they weigh these serious allegations of election-day violence.
About the Author
