Tension, hatred, and political rivalry have erupted between Bufumbira North parliamentary aspirants ahead of the 2026 general elections, with the controversy surrounding African Chill (Pili Pili) farming fueling the growing division.
Verbal exchanges and accusations between Fortunate Gatare, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer commonly known as Super Guy, and the incumbent, John Nizeyimana Kamara, have sparked fear among residents about the atmosphere in which the 2026 elections will be conducted.
The dispute stems from the introduction of African Chill farming by Kamara as an economic initiative to improve household incomes and fight poverty within the constituency. While some community members have embraced the crop, others have been discouraged following strong criticism from Gatare.
Gatare has dismissed the initiative as misleading, arguing that Pili Pili farming could lead to poverty, starvation, and hunger among local communities. He instead urged residents to focus on alternative income-generating activities such as coffee growing and piggery, which he says are more sustainable given the land fragmentation challenges in the area.
“I respect this man Kamara, and indeed I respect him, but he is a barrier to development in our mighty Bufumbira North,” Gatare said. “People are suffering, and to my surprise, he is here introducing pilpil farming. Can you eat Pili Pili for sure? Can your mother or my mother cook pilpil for you? Why do you want people to die of hunger and starvation? You have been a legislator for 15 years; people have suffered a lot under your leadership. Why can’t you retire from politics and allow new leaders to develop this area?”
Gatare also pledged to support farmers by donating piglets and coffee seedlings to every sub-county across the constituency.
However, in a swift response, Kamara dismissed Gatare’s statements as jealous and misleading, accusing him of hypocrisy.
Kamara claimed that Gatare himself owns large pilpil plantations in Central Uganda and exports the crop abroad, earning millions of shillings.
“You man called Guy, what’s wrong with you?” Kamara retorted. “If I come to your home, I will find pilpil there. You are a regular exporter through Entebbe International Airport, earning millions. Why confuse people’s minds? If you are benefiting from pilpil, why not the local residents of Busanza Sub-county? Stop the politics of hatred and jealousy.”
Kamara further criticized Gatare’s campaign promises, arguing that pledging three piglets per village and ten coffee seedlings per household was unrealistic and unsustainable.
He called for fair and cooperative politics rather than defamatory campaigns, warning that such conduct could negatively affect not only the 2026 general elections but also the future political environment of Kisoro District.
