RUKIGA – The high-stakes assault case involving the former and current LC II Chairpersons of Kitojo Parish has been adjourned to September 10, 2026, as legal proceedings take a critical turn in the Rukiga Magistrate Court.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The accused, Naturinda Amon Rutare (the former chairperson), alongside his co-accused Ronald Kitariko who previously was on the run, face grave charges of assault and causing grievous harm to Peter Niwahereza (the newly elected LC II Chairperson) and Mugarura Innocent.
The alleged attack occurred during a charged president Museveni’s political rally on February 14, 2026, at Rushebeya Playground in Rwamucucu Sub-county, sending shockwaves through the local community.
Following his initial apprehension and remand to Ndorwa Government Prison by the Kabale Magistrates Court, Rutare was granted a Shs 3 million non-cash bail on March 4, 2025, offering temporary relief to his legal team and family.
However, the legal labyrinth deepened during Today’s session before the Rukiga Magistrate court precided over by His Worship Julius Mutabazi, when the state prosecutor revealed that the second suspect, Ronald Kitariko, were arrested and released on police bond recently.
The state prosecutor further informed the court that the case file has now been forwarded to the Kabale State Attorney for a critical amendment of the charge sheet, pending court sanctioning.
Presiding over the proceedings, Magistrate Mutabazi adjourned the case to September 10, 2026, setting the stage for Kitariko’s first formal appearance to face charges alongside his co-accused.
Once the amendments are sanctioned, both men will be read the updated charges afresh and required to take a new plea, even though the trial against Amon Rutare had already been progressing.
Perhaps the most consequential decision looming over the case is the court’s future deliberation on whether to retain the previously presented witness testimonies or to start de novo, a complete fresh trial for both accused parties.
The court’s measure, aimed at avoiding prejudice and ensuring procedural fairness, leaves the community in suspense as they await the September hearing, in a case that has become a touchstone for local political tensions.
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