A campaign vehicle belonging to Akifeza Grace Ngabirano, a candidate in the Kisoro District Woman MP NRM by-election, was damaged in a shooting incident as a group of youths demanded unpaid allowances. The vehicle, registration number UAV 360Z, is currently parked at Mubano Hotel, visibly damaged from the gunfire.
The incident occurred at around 9:30 p.m. of 24th October 2024 near Pride Microfinance in Kisoro Municipality. According to reports, a group of boda boda riders and supporters who had spent the day rallying for Akifeza in Muramba and Nyarusiza Sub Counties surrounded the vehicle, demanding allowances for their support. The rowdy crowd refused to disperse, insisting they receive compensation for fuel and time, as promised.
Two security guards, Niyonteze Emmanuel and Turyatunga Evarist, attempted to control the situation. When the crowd grew more agitated, the guards reportedly fired two warning shots to disperse them. One bullet struck the vehicle, shattering a window, though no injuries were reported. At the time, Akifeza was not in the vehicle; it was occupied only by her driver, identified as Kato, who had sought assistance from the guards.
Eyewitnesses reported that the riders were adamant about not leaving until they received payment. In an audio clip circulating on social media, some riders can be heard saying, “We followed her to Nyarusiza and Muramba, but she left without giving us our allowances as agreed.” The escalating demands led the guards to intervene.
Kisoro District Police Commander (DPC), SP Ben Nuwamanya, confirmed the incident, noting that the police promptly arrested the two security guards. After recording statements, the guards were released on bond as Akifeza forgave them for the incident.
Akifeza, one of the leading candidates in the Kisoro Woman MP race, has not yet commented on the situation. Her vehicle remains at Mubano Hotel as her team assesses the extent of the damage.
Source : chimp reports
