Political tension rises in Ntungamo as Rukutana, Kabasharira trade accusations
She cited a water project where pipelines were laid but residents were never connected, calling it a symbol of unfulfilled promises under Rukutana’s leadership.
Ntungamo : Political tension is escalating in Rushenyi County, Ntungamo District, following a heated exchange between former area Member of Parliament Mwesigwa Rukutana and the incumbent MP, Hon. Naome Kabasharira.
The standoff emerged after Rukutana appeared on a local radio talk show, where he accused Kabasharira of presiding over what he described as stalled development during the 2021–2026 parliamentary term. He cited poor road infrastructure, inadequate health services, limited access to clean water, and challenges in the education sector as key areas of concern.
Despite previously announcing his retirement from active politics, Rukutana has since resurfaced, declaring that he will not support the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer for Rushenyi County, Hon. Kabasharira. Instead, he pledged his support to independent candidate Herbert Nyongozi.
In response, Kabasharira dismissed Rukutana’s claims, accusing him of making empty political statements aimed at regaining relevance rather than focusing on genuine service delivery. She argued that Rukutana’s criticism is driven by frustration following his loss in the 2021–2026 NRM party primaries.
Kabasharira further alleged that Rukutana lacked public support due to incidents of election-related violence during past campaigns. She also faulted his long tenure in leadership, saying he failed to deliver essential services such as clean water and electricity, despite having served for decades as both area MP and cabinet minister.
She cited a water project where pipelines were laid but residents were never connected, calling it a symbol of unfulfilled promises under Rukutana’s leadership.
Highlighting her achievements, Kabasharira said her term has seen Rushenyi County secure two Health Centre IV facilities and two ambulance developments she says are unmatched by other counties in Ntungamo District.
She also accused Rukutana of failing to follow through on a key road project initially planned to pass through Rubaare Town Council to Kisiizi, claiming it was diverted elsewhere during his tenure despite being budgeted for.
The ongoing war of words between the former and current MPs has stirred debate among residents, with service delivery, leadership, and accountability dominating public discourse in Rushenyi County.
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