Betty Komujuni’s unexpected return to the Mbarara Woman Member of Parliament race has caused a stir in Mbarara district.
This follows revelations from a reportedly intoxicated aide of the current MP, Margeret Ayebare Rwebyambu, who exposed a controversial strategy involving religious divisions to influence the upcoming elections.
The aide alleged that Rwebyambu, who faces growing unpopularity, has been covertly backing Komujuni’s candidacy as part of a calculated plan to split voters along religious lines. According to the claims, Rwebyambu is poised to bankroll Betty with UGX 200 million to camouflage as a proxy candidate and run for the seat, hoping to divide the vote in areas such as Rwanyamahembe and Bubaare, where Komujuni used to some significant support in previous NRM party elections.
The scheme is said to target Rwebyambu’s main rival, who has strong grassroots backing, by weakening their chances through voter fragmentation.
Reports suggest that Komujuni recently held a private meeting at Lakeview Hotel, where she confirmed her intention to contest under Rwebyambu’s influence. The meeting, attended by select political strategists and supporters, further fueled suspicions of collusion between the two politicians.
Komujuni’s reentry into the political scene has been met with mixed reactions. While some acknowledge her past influence, many voters remain critical of her, accusing her of neglecting the community after losing her previous political position. Her decision to return, allegedly fueled by Rwebyambu’s financial promises, has angered many locals, who see it as opportunistic and self-serving.
Adding to the controversy is the alleged involvement of religious leaders in this divisive strategy. Bishop Sheldon Mwesigwa, an Anglican cleric, is reported to have endorsed Komujuni’s candidacy, further deepening the perceived sectarian divide. This endorsement has drawn sharp criticism from senior voters and community leaders, who accuse the bishop of abandoning his role as a unifier in favor of political interference.
Residents of Kashaari have expressed serious concerns over these developments. Many fear that the use of religious affiliations to manipulate voters could escalate tensions and sow discord in the community. Senior voters and religious leaders from both Anglican and Catholic backgrounds have condemned the strategy as dangerous and divisive, warning that it could lead to conflict.
As the election season approaches, the controversy surrounding Komujuni’s candidacy and Rwebyambu’s alleged schemes has left the community grappling with questions about integrity, leadership, and the role of religion in politics. For now, the people of Kashaari remain wary, hoping for a peaceful resolution to what has already become a highly charged political battle.
