Rukungiri, Uganda– Angello Twinomuhangi, an independent candidate for the LC5 position in Rukungiri, has narrowly escaped an assassination attempt, shedding light on the perilous nature of local politics. Speaking from his hospital bed at Karoli Lwanga Hospital in Nyakibale, Twinomuhangi recounted the horrifying experience and emphasized the need for a political environment free from violence.
The attempted attack occurred late on the evening of January 6 while the aspirant was returning from a campaign meeting with voters in Katonya. Around 8:10 PM in Kahooko, Twinomuhangi encountered a vehicle parked suspiciously on the road, seemingly broken down. A man standing nearby asked for his help to push the car off the road. As Twinomuhangi obliged by lowering his window, he was unexpectedly sprayed with a chemical from an approaching motorcycle.
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Within moments, Twinomuhangi was violently pulled from his vehicle by two assailants who had been hiding in the car. Despite his attempts to shout for help, they swiftly bound his hands and gagged him with a USB cable. “They pressed down on me until I lost consciousness,” he recalled, stating that he heard them discuss horrific intentions, including cutting off his tongue.
Against all odds, the assailants abandoned him near the Mineera River, believing him to be dead. They discarded him like a piece of trash and fled the scene on a motorcycle. Fortunately, Twinomuhangi later regained consciousness and was discovered by passersby, who helped him to the hospital.
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Reflecting on the incident, Twinomuhangi stated, “I thank God for giving me a second chance. This attack is a clear indication of the dangerous turn politics has taken in Rukungiri.” He urged the community to recognize that the violence stems from jealousy and not genuine political rivalry, warning that such actions undermine democracy and public safety.
In his message to fellow politicians and voters, Twinomuhangi called for a shift from the toxic ‘do or die’ mentality that has infiltrated local campaigns. “We need to engage in constructive politics, focusing on service to the community rather than resorting to violence,” he stressed.
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As investigations continue, Twinomuhangi’s resolve to stand for his community remains firm. His ordeal not only highlights the risks faced by political figures in Uganda but also serves as a rallying cry for peace and cooperation in the electoral process.
