Bushenyi, Uganda: The dispute over who takes the Igara West NRM flag has taken a dramatic turn following the tragic death of Gerald Mugarura Baremirwe, alias Bishop, an ally and foot soldier for Tugume Boniface, after an alleged assault in Nyakabingo Cell, Kakanju Sub-County during last month’s primaries.
Although new witness testimony suggests political undertones, police in Greater Bushenyi have come out with an official statement emphasizing the legal and investigative perspective on a sensitive case, which is currently under state probe.
In an exclusive interview with DailyExpress, one of the key witnesses of the incident revealed chilling details surrounding the events of July 17, 2025, the night Bishop allegedly succumbed to a brutal mob assault by supporters of Tugume’s rival Amanya Cohen Kyampene in Nyakabingo Cell, Bushenyi District, shortly after the heated NRM primaries.
According to the witness (who preferred anonymity due to sensitivity of the matter), the assault involved the LC1 Chairperson Julius Agaba Kagubwa, his Defence Secretary Rugatsira Peterson Muhoozi, and Kyoine Justus Tindifa, accusing Bishop of refusing to align with their camp.
The group allegedly acted on instructions from ‘above’, after they had been promised rewards should they secure huge pro-Kyampene votes, a move locals describe as part of a “political incentive scheme.” Bishop was reportedly overpowered while attempting to flee and later succumbed to injuries at Bushenyi Health Centre IV.
Police Statement Brings Additional Context
In a progressive press statement dated Thursday, August 14, 2025, SP Apollo Tayebwa, the acting Regional Police Spokesperson for Greater Bushenyi, confirmed being in the know of the case but clarified that the investigation centers around both the death of Mugarura Gerald and an alleged stabbing of Tukundane Junior, a 31-year-old boda boda rider.
According to SP Tayebwa, Mugarura allegedly stabbed Tukundane on the night of July 17, 2025, around 9:30 PM in Nyakabingo Trading Center, but it is not yet known whether the fight between the two was linked to the day’s earlier primaries or a different motive.
After the incident, Tayebwa says, Mugarura was then reportedly assaulted by LC1 Chairperson Agaba, his Defence Secretary, plus others, leading to his critical condition and subsequent death on July 18, 2025, at Bushenyi Health Centre IV.
“Our findings disregard any political influence by any political candidate in both cases in question,” SP Tayebwa stated, emphasizing that police have arrested three suspects, Agaba Julius Kagubwa, Rugasira Peterson, and Kyoine Justus, while efforts continue to apprehend two others still at large.
The postmortem report released by KIU Hospital in Bushenyi reportedly established that Mugarura died from intracerebral injury caused by a blunt object.
SP Tayebwa has reiterated the police’s commitment to keeping the public informed and strongly condemned all forms of lawlessness.
Political Implications, Tribunal Testimony
The incident and police development have now fueled fresh tensions between the Tugume Boniface and Cohen Kyampene camps in Igara West, amid allegations of intimidation, voter manipulation, and violent reprisals during the NRM primaries.
Tugume had previously petitioned the NRM Electoral Tribunal over alleged irregularities, and whereas the tribunal is expected to deliver its final ruling on the petition very soon, it remains unclear whether they will now consider hearing fresh witness testimonies on the circumstances surrounding Mugarura’s death, which could have far-reaching implications for Kyampene’s political prospects.
Cohen Kyampene, who’s linked to the fatal assault of Mugarura as his alleged suporters are believed to have led the brutal attack on the late, declined to comment when approached by this reporter, saying the matter is at the hands of security authorities, and that ongoing investigations will reveal the truth behind what he described as a politcal smear campaign.
Mugarura, 35, was buried on Saturday, July 19, 2025, and now his mother, Mrs. Kekibira Noreda Baremirwe, is demanding justice, accusing Kyampene’s allies of politically motivating the tragic murder of his son.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
