KISORO, UGANDA – The territorial police in Kisoro District have launched investigations into the circumstances under which six suspects, previously arrested for arson and malicious damage, were allegedly aided to escape from lawful custody by Bufumbira North Member of Parliament, Hon. John Nizeyimana Kamara.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, July 28, 2025, at approximately 2:00 PM, when the six suspects – Gasigwa Jeremiah, Harerimana Augustine, Nkurunziza Apollo, Bavuzayubusa Paskazia, Mujawimana Dinavance, and Basekuye Teleza – were brought to Kisoro Central Police Station for questioning.
According to police reports, it is alleged that on May 3, 2025, these suspects committed offenses of arson and malicious damage to the property of Mahoro Jackline following a village disagreement. Ms. Jackline subsequently filed a case at Kisoro Central Police Station, which had been under investigation.
Police state that the suspects were initially summoned to Kisoro CPS for interviews and statement recording but allegedly sought counsel from Hon. John Kamara, who advised them to disregard the police summons, which they then did.
The complainant continued to follow up on her case until Monday, July 28, 2025, when the suspects were finally arrested and taken to Kisoro CPS for interviewing.
A few minutes later, Hon. Kamara arrived at the police station and requested that the suspects be granted a police bond. He was advised by the District Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Officer, D/ASP Babiiha Johnson, that the suspects first needed to make their statements while the officer consulted with district management, as the matter was of public concern.
Hon. Kamara reportedly left the station in anger, uttering curses. The suspects were then handed over to the investigating officer to obtain their statements. However, while the investigating officer was interacting with the suspects, Kamara returned, allegedly instructed the suspects to flee, and immediately drove away with them in his vehicle. The investigating officer attempted to intervene but was reportedly pushed aside. He promptly reported the matter to the OC Station, SP Tuhairwe Alex, and later to the District CID Officer.
An operation was immediately launched to re-arrest the suspects under the command of SP Tuhairwe Alex and D/ASP Babiiha Johnson. All six suspects were successfully re-arrested at Hon. Kamara’s home. However, police reported that his arrest was not possible at that time, as he had allegedly mobilized the community against the police officers.
Kisoro District Police Commander, Ben Niwamanya Kashumbusha, condemned the MP’s conduct, stating that it amounts to aiding suspects to escape from lawful custody, an offense under Ugandan law.
Meanwhile, Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson, Elly Maate, confirmed the incident and emphasized that efforts are underway to apprehend Hon. Kamara for his actions. Maate expressed disappointment that a person of the MP’s caliber, a legislator, would act contrary to the very laws he helped create, underscoring that no one is above the law.
