Chaos and protests have erupted in the Bufumbira North parliamentary race following allegations that police officers colluded with Fortunate Gatare Habyara, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer, to disrupt the campaign convoy of incumbent MP John Nizeyimana Kamara using primary school children.
The shocking incident, which Kamara has described as an assault and a violation of children’s rights, reportedly occurred at Busengo Primary School, where pupils were allegedly taken out of class and used to form a human blockade against Kamara’s campaign procession.
The event unfolded on Tuesday, October 22, 2025, at around 2:40 p.m. along the Natete–Mupaka road.
According to reports, Gatare allegedly lured the pupils with sweets before organizing them to stand across the road in an attempt to disrupt Kamara’s convoy, which was returning from manifesto launches in Nyarubuye Subcounty, Rukundo Town Council, Busanza Subcounty, and Mupaka Town Council.
The spectacle reportedly left residents shocked and angered, with many condemning the alleged use of minors for political activities. Community members expressed concern that such actions not only endangered the children but also violated their rights and dignity.
The incumbent Bufumbira North MP and independent candidate, John Nizeyimana Kamara, strongly condemned the act, accusing his political rival, Gatare, of turning the exploitation of minors into “a tool of political manipulation.”
He further alleged that the Uganda Police Force in Kisoro District had colluded with Gatare to violate constitutional rights, claiming that Gatare was using his former position as a police commissioner to influence local law enforcement.
Kamara said that when he attempted to report the incident at Kisoro Central Police Station, officers allegedly refused to record the case despite its seriousness.
“It is unfortunate that those meant to protect the law are now shielding impunity,” Kamara said. “I had a convoy of over 300 motorcycles, excluding my personal vehicle. The so-called NRM flag bearer seduced the school children to block my convoy. I was surprised, but I stayed calm because I am a teacher by profession — I know how to handle children. Children should never be used as instruments of political games.”
Kamara appealed to the top leadership of the Uganda Police Force to urgently intervene in what he described as growing misconduct within Kisoro Central Police Station (CPS). He also called for disciplinary action against senior officers allegedly involved in the incident, saying this would help restore professionalism and public trust in the police.
He revealed that he is in the process of filing a legal case over what he termed assault and abuse of human rights, vowing to pursue justice through lawful means.
“The police must be held accountable. Some officers in Kisoro have abandoned their duty to serve the people and are instead protecting political interests,” Kamara stated.
In response, the Kisoro District Police Commander (DPC), Ben Niwamanya Kashumbusha, dismissed Kamara’s allegations, accusing the legislator of interfering in police operations during the campaign period.
Kashumbusha said that although the police had attempted to address the matter through proper channels, Kamara allegedly pressured officers to act outside professional guidelines and even tried to register what he called a “false or fabricated case.”
“Our officers were under pressure to do what Hon. Kamara wanted,” Niwamanya said. “But as the Police, we must operate within ethical and professional boundaries.”
Meanwhile, Fortunate Gatare Habyara hit back at Kamara, describing him as a three-term MP who has failed to deliver tangible results for Bufumbira North.
Gatare criticized Kamara’s focus on projects such as tea and pilipili (hot pepper) growing, saying they have brought little economic benefit to residents.
He emphasized his commitment to conducting peaceful, transparent, and issue-based campaigns ahead of the 2026 general elections.
This is not the first time Hon. Kamara has clashed with law enforcement in Kisoro District.
On July 28, 2025, the Bufumbira North MP was investigated for allegedly aiding the escape of six suspects facing charges of arson and malicious damage at Kisoro Central Police Station.
Earlier, on November 14, 2024, police in Kisoro launched a search for Kamara over allegations of ballot stuffing at Busanani Polling Station during the Kisoro District Woman MP by-election.
