Police in Rukungiri District have arrested a Local Council I (LC1) chairperson for allegedly defacing campaign posters belonging to the Minister for Security and incumbent Rujumbura County Member of Parliament, Rt. Maj. Gen. Jim Muhwezi Katugugu.

The suspect, identified as Darius Nabaasa, is the LC1 chairperson of Omukibungo Village in Kanyamahwa Parish, Nyakagyeme Sub-county. He is currently being detained at Rukungiri Police Station as investigations continue.

The Kigezi Regional Police Spokesperson, Elly Maate, confirmed the arrest and said police are pursuing two other suspects believed to have participated in the incident.

According to police, the alleged offense occurred on January 7, 2026, at around 10:00 p.m. at Half London Trading Centre in Omukibungo Village. Preliminary findings indicate that earlier that evening, Maj. Gen. Muhwezi, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer for the Rujumbura County parliamentary seat, held a campaign rally at the same venue, after which his posters were displayed around the trading centre.

Police allege that Nabaasa, together with others still at large, ordered the removal and destruction of the posters, reportedly insisting that the minister should have first sought his permission before placing campaign materials in the area.

A resident, Obed Aryanyijuka, told authorities that Muhwezi’s campaign team had mounted the posters earlier in the day, an action that allegedly angered the LC1 chairperson. Aryanyijuka said the posters were later vandalized during the night, prompting residents to report the matter to police.

“The posters were allegedly torn down from areas near the home of one Aryayijuka Obed,” police stated, adding that the incident triggered a formal investigation.

Maate said police officers visited and documented the crime scene, recorded statements from relevant witnesses, and recovered damaged posters as exhibits. “Inquiries are ongoing, and efforts are underway to arrest the remaining suspects,” Maate said.

Police have cautioned the public against interfering with lawful political activities, emphasizing that defacing or destroying campaign materials is a criminal offense punishable by law, especially during the election period.

Maj. Gen. Muhwezi is seeking re-election as Rujumbura County Member of Parliament on the NRM ticket, facing opposition from Fred Turyamuhweeza of the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF).