On November 29, a video of the NRM chief mobiliser for Rukungiri district, Peace Rugambwa, narrating how she was assaulted by UPDF soldiers attached to State House, made rounds on social media. In the video, Rugambwa accuses Security Minister – Gen Jim Muhwezi, of orchestrating the attacks on her, which she says had gone on for a while.
In same breadth, human rights activist, George, alias Voice for the Voiceless, has strongly come out to warn Ugandans about the occurrence of such atrocities on ordinary people.
George says that, as many young people continue to be abducted randomly from the public, beaten up to pulp because of supporting NUP President – Robert Kyagulanyi, what happened to Rugambwa oy proves only points to how far the state can go to suppress anyone
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“In Uganda, when those who wield power turn on each other, what hope do we have? The blood spilled in the halls of the powerful echoes in the streets of the helpless. No one is safe; we are all prisoners in a land of fear.” George says
Rugambwa’s incident has sparked widespread outrage, raising serious concerns about the misuse of power and growing impunity among state operatives.
Speaking to the media, George criticized the alarming trend of state-sponsored violence and highlighted its implications for ordinary Ugandans.
“If the state can mobilize the army to silence one of their own like this, then what hope is there for the average citizen? This incident is a chilling reminder that nobody is safe from the unchecked power of state actors,” George said.
He further emphasized that such actions not only violate fundamental human rights but also undermine the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
“The use of violence against political figures, regardless of their affiliations, is a gross abuse of power by the current regime. It reflects a disturbing culture where Ugandans of sound mind are suppressed by fear,” George remarked.
Rugambwa, who has been a vocal supporter of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), expressed shock and disappointment at the treatment she received from one of her own. She accused General Muhwezi of orchestrating the attack to silence her for reasons yet to be known.
“I have been very influential in ensuring that NRM regains its glory in Rukungiri, and i succeeded, but what happened to me is beyond betrayal. If this can happen to me, it can happen to anyone,” she said.
George urged Ugandans to remain vigilant and demand accountability from those in power. “This is not just about Rugambwa. It’s about the future of this country. We must ask ourselves: if we allow such impunity to thrive, what kind of nation are we building? We need to unite as citizens and hold leaders accountable for their actions,” he stated.
This incident has reignited debates about the militarization of governance in Uganda and the role of the security apparatus in suppressing dissent. Critics argue that such cases highlight a broader pattern of state-sanctioned violence, which poses a significant threat to the rights and freedoms of all Ugandans.
