Residents of Kiringa village in Buhara Sub County, Kabale district, have stormed Buhara Police Post demanding the immediate release of their colleague, Ambrose Turamyomwe, a former contestant for the village NRM chairperson seat.

Turamyomwe was reportedly arrested on September 22, from his home by a joint team of UPDF soldiers and police officers without an arrest warrant or clear charges.

According to the residents the arrest was politically motivated, given that he is a vocal supporter and mobilizer for Kabale Woman MP  Catherine Atwakiire Ndamira and Ndorwa East MP  Wilfred Nuwagaba.

According to them, after the NRM primary elections, Turamyomwe was approached by agents of Enid Origumisiriza, the NRM flag bearer for Kabale Woman MP, and Protazio Begumisa, the NRM flag bearer for Ndorwa East. They allegedly offered him money to switch allegiance but warned that if he refused, he would face repeated arrests and harassment.

“After several threats, Turamyomwe went to report to police but was instead chased and almost arrested. Fearing for his life, he abandoned his home and spent several nights hiding in the bush,” His mother, Specioza Koburonde, and wife, Mackline Tusingyize explained.  On September 22, when he reportedly felt safe to return home, but was again arrested by UPDF and police officers.

Francis Abomugisha, a concerned resident, said threats are common in the area, especially against supporters of Catherine Atwakiire Ndamira and Kabale district LCV Chairperson Nelson Nshangabasheija. He accused security of working with politicians to divide residents.

Other villagers, including Alex Arinda and Deus Ngabirano, also insisted that the arrests were meant to silence vocal mobilizers of politicians not favored by local security.

On September 23, angry residents stormed the office of the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Buhara Police Post, Joram Mwesigwa, demanding Turamyomwe’s immediate release and was eventually released on bond.

According to a police bond form signed , September 23, Turamyomwe was charged with “escape from lawful arrest,” but no details were provided.

Sources close to the case established that police demanded 200,000 shillings from Turamyomwe’s relatives before his release. A police officer  claimed the money was needed to replace handcuffs allegedly lost during an earlier attempt to arrest him.

When asked to clarify the charges, the Officer allegedly chased news reporters and threatened arrest. Efforts to reach the Buhara Sub County Police Post OC for comment were unsuccessful.

Relatives welcomed Turamyomwe’s release but called for investigations into the conduct of officers at Buhara Police Post.