By Davis Mugabi
Embattled Commissioner of Parliament and Rubanda District Woman MP, Prossy Akampurira Begumisa Mbabazi, is having sleepless nights after Jacqueline Katabazi jumped on the race to unseat her in the 2026 MP race. Jacqueline Katabazi is the wife of Interal Security Organization Deputy Director Boss Col. Emmy Katabazi. Akampurira is among the 4 Commissioners of Parliament who shared Shs 1.7 billion as service award.
As a result, Akampurira has asked voters to return her donations.
Local media reports that Akampurira, through her agent, Vincent Kagoma—the Local Council I Chairman of Bugarama Village—filed a case against Alex Moses Byaruhanga, the Deputy Speaker of Butare Katojo Town Council, in the local council 1 Court.
Kagoma alleged that Byaruhanga had breached an “unspoken agreement” by accepting the gifts, including 20 bags of cement, only to later join the camp of Akampurira’s political rival, Katabazi.
Byaruhanga recounted that earlier this year, Kagoma informed him that Akampurira had donated the cement for the construction of his house in recognition of his unwavering support. However, after crossing to Katabazi’s camp, Byaruhanga was confronted by Kagoma, who demanded the return of the cement.
“Those gifts were not a contract,” Byaruhanga asserted during a village court session. “I have the right to support a leader of my choice. I did not ask for the gifts, and they do not bind me forever. Let them take their cement if they wish.”
A week before, Kagoma sent Gregory Twinomujuni, another local leader, to demand the return of the cement. Twinomujuni stated that the message to Byaruhanga was delivered in good faith, though he acknowledged that the request was unprecedented and comical in local politics.
The incident sparked outrage among Byaruhanga’s supporters. Many locals condemned Prossy’s actions, labeling them “shameful” and “petty.”
In an act of solidarity, the community quickly organized a fundraising event to support Byaruhanga, raising Shs 227,000 and eight additional bags of cement to replace those demanded by Prossy Akampurira.
“We cannot let our leader be humiliated like this,” said Gad Magezi, the Secretary for Finance at Butare Katojo Town Council. “This is an attack on our integrity as a community. Byaruhanga has always supported us, and now it’s our turn to stand by him.”
Vangilista Kyorisiima expressed her support for Moses Byaruhanga, citing his long-standing reputation as a dependable leader. “I couldn’t possibly miss the opportunity to stand by him,” she said.
Turyamureeba Edrida, known as Auntie wa Bishaki, rejected the attempt to tarnish their councillor’s image. “It’s absolutely unacceptable,” she emphasized. “This move to withdraw gifts only serves to strengthen our resolve and make us stronger.”
Tumuheirwe Joseph Musigi, who has known Moses Alex Byaruhanga since 1993, defended his integrity. “I’ve never known him to be a defaulter or a criminal,” he said. “Alex is a hardworking individual, and this attempt to withdraw gifts will only empower him to work even harder for Mrs. Jacqueline Katabazi.”
Abel Maniragaba, a resident of Bishaki village, condemned the demand for the return of the gifts, calling it a “desperate and shameless” move. Other residents, including Santuriina Kakuru and Mathias Musiime, echoed similar sentiments, praising Byaruhanga’s leadership and pledging their continued support.
The controversy has sparked broader discussions about political favoritism and the distribution of campaign resources. Several locals expressed frustration over what they perceive as an uneven allocation of gifts from politicians.
“How did he get all that alone?” questioned Mary Goretti Kiconco, a local resident. “They give one man UGX 700,000 worth of cement, but we only get alcohol and waragi. They should share equally or face the consequences at the ballot box.”
Edith Mbabazi added, “We know they give building materials to some people, but if they want our support, they must share with all of us. Otherwise, let those who received the gifts vote for them alone.”
The incident has reportedly instilled fear in other residents who had previously accepted gifts from Hon. Prossy. Some have spoken under anonymity, afraid that the MP might come after them to retrieve the items.
“I accepted the cement, but I no longer support her,” confessed one resident, identified only as Isaac. “I’m afraid she’ll come after me for the cement, but I don’t have it anymore.”
Another resident, Mariseera (not her real name), who had received iron sheets, expressed similar fears: “If she finds out I no longer have the iron sheets, I could end up in jail.”
