Ntungamo, Uganda – Protests in Ntungamo District have intensified, with protesters demanding answers about the whereabouts of Peace Rugambwa, a well-known NRM mobilizer and founder of the Boona Bageigahare Nyekundire group.
The demonstrators, carrying posters of President Yoweri Museveni and Peace, marched toward her ancestral home in Nyanga I Cell, Kyobwe Ward, Rwentobo-Rwahi Town Council, chanting, “We need her! (Nintumwenda!)”.
Tumuheigwe Gorrete, Chairman of Widows in Nyanga I Cell, and Kyarimpa Dastane, a protest leader, stated that Peace was last seen on television being mistreated in Rukungiri District, where she had traveled to deliver aid to vulnerable families.
CUE IN … GORRETE & DASTANE VOX POX. RR
Dastane warned that if authorities fail to provide answers soon, the protests will spread to neighboring districts, including Rukungiri, Kabale, Rukiga, and Mbarara City.
CUE IN … DASTANE ON PROTESTS. RR
The protesters made a direct appeal to President Museveni, urging his immediate intervention to clarify Rugambwa’s whereabouts, warning that her unexplained disappearance has not only sparked unrest in Ntungamo but risks destabilizing public trust in local governance.
Local residents Rwamusheija Mpuga of Nyakasheshero Cell and Mpirigwe Mercy of Nyanga I Kyobwe Ward expressed distress over Peace’s disappearance, saying that community projects and businesses she supported have collapsed since she went missing.
CUE IN … MPUGA & MERCY VOX POX. RR
Rugambwa’s troubles began in November 2024 when uniformed men violently arrested her during an event at Kakindo Church of Uganda.
Following her improper treatment, Peace Rugambwa penned a letter to President Museveni, detailing the economic hardships affecting the region.
The President acknowledged her concerns in a written response and promised to address them in a January 2025 meeting with Major-General (Rtd) Jim Muhwezi.
With tensions mounting, many in the community now believe Rugambwa is being targeted for her advocacy work, as protesters vow to sustain demonstrations until the government provides concrete answers about her disappearance.