Two Arrested Over Alleged Voter Bribery in Rukiga District During NRM Primaries

Two Arrested Over Alleged Voter Bribery in Rukiga District During NRM PrimariesI

RUKIGA DISTRICT| Wednesday, August 6, 2025 — Police in Kigezi region have arrested and charged two suspects in connection with alleged voter bribery during the recently concluded National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries for the Woman MP flag bearer in Rukiga District.

According to ASP Elly Maate, the Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson, the arrests stem from a complaint lodged on August 6, 2025, regarding an incident that reportedly took place on July 17, 2025, in Sendi Village, Mparo Town Council. The complaint alleged that money was being distributed to voters in a suspected effort to influence the outcome of the NRM primary elections

Police say a General Enquiry File (GEF) vide Kigezi Region GEF 009/2025 was opened to investigate the claims of bribery of voters and corrupt transactions involving campaign agents.

“With the support of local leaders and our intelligence network, two individuals captured on video distributing money to voters were positively identified,” ASP Maate revealed.

The suspects have been named as Julius Twesigye and Godwin Niwahereza, both residents of Sindi Village in Mparo Town Council. They were arrested, interviewed by detectives, and formally charged with conspiracy to commit a felony—specifically, engaging in corruption and voter bribery.

On Wednesday afternoon, the suspects appeared before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kabale for plea taking.

The arrests have cast a spotlight on increasing concerns about electoral malpractice within internal party processes, particularly in hotly contested areas like Rukiga, where the ruling party primaries often attract national attention.

Police have reiterated their commitment to ensuring that electoral processes, including internal party elections, remain free from corruption and undue influence.

“We continue to warn individuals and groups involved in vote buying and bribery that the long arm of the law will catch up with them,” ASP Maate emphasized.

The NRM Secretariat has not yet issued an official statement on the matter.

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