Mwesigwa Rukutana, a regime’s powerful Minister earned himself a night in jail after he attempted to shoot civilians on Saturday during post election violence in Ntungamo District.
Rukutana lost the NRM primaries for Rushenyi county to Naome Kabasharira.
In a video which has since broken internet, unidentified people in a car are overheard begging the Minister for mercy as he seized a gun from his bodyguard. The incident led to his arrest.
Rukutana who at first rubbished reports that he had been arrested and was at his home enjoying a meal, would later appear at Mbarara Central Police where he spent a night.
Police spokesperson Polly Namaye told this website that Rukutana and three of his escorts face attempted murder charges.
UPDF administration a few days ago warned politicians particularly government officials against involving its soldiers in partisan political campaigns.
Brig. Flavia Byekwaso said those found liable their guards could be recalled.
Speaking on the incident which compelled him to grab a gun, Rukutana told sections of the media that he had been intercepted by unknown ‘goons’ on the road from his home.
They blocked the road with cars- a Toyota Premio and Rav4 registration number UAQ 840X and efforts to convince these people to remove their cars and allow the minister who was accompanied by his family to Kayonza to bury an in-law were unsuccessful.
After considerable time of negotiations, Rukutana lost his temper and wanted to clear the way with a gun.
THE TRUTH
The above narrative peddled by Rukutana and his henchmen has been dispelled by witness who spoke to this website on Sunday night.
The witness said he belonged to neither camp (Rukutana- Kabasharira).
“I am in Ntungamo to support one candidates who is neither Rukutana nor Kabasharira,” said a witness who wished not to be named fearing Rukutana’s men could hunt him down.
The Rushenyi County NRM contest attracted six candidates but the race was between three rivals; Naome Kabasharira who won, Rukutana (second) and Bob Nahabwe who came third.
The contest is considered the most violent in this year’s NRM primaries.
