Onesmas Twinamasiko, the NRM flag bearer for the Bugangaizi East parliamentary seat in Kakumiro District, has been remanded by the Kibaale Chief Magistrate’s Court following allegations of assaulting Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja. Twinamasiko was taken into custody on Wednesday and subsequently appeared before Chief Magistrate Nazifah Namayanja, where he was formally charged with assault and inflicting bodily harm. He pleaded not guilty to both charges.

According to the charge sheet, the alleged incident occurred on July 17, 2025, during the declaration of NRM primary election results at the party’s offices in Kakumiro District. Reports indicate that a confrontation broke out during the event, during which Twinamasiko is accused of attacking the Prime Minister in the presence of party members and security officials. The court has ordered that he be held at Kibaale Government Prison until September 10, 2025, when his bail application will be considered.

The arrest and detention of Twinamasiko sparked significant public outcry, leading to demonstrations in Kakumiro District on Thursday afternoon. Law enforcement intervened to disperse these demonstrators, who were protesting the recent arrest and detention. Large groups of residents, primarily from Kisiita Town Council and Kisiita Sub county, took to the streets calling for Twinamasiko’s immediate release. The protest drew participants from various demographics, including youth, women, and elderly citizens.

During the confrontations between protesters and security personnel, demonstrators claimed that the charges against Twinamasiko lacked clarity and suggested that the arrest was driven by political interests. They collectively appealed to President Museveni to step in and address what they described as internal disputes within the NRM leadership in the district. Residents further argued that Twinamasiko’s arrest appeared to be a deliberate attempt to block his nomination for the parliamentary race, highlighting the perceived political motivations behind the legal proceedings.