Woman Accuses Former MP’s Guard of Brutal Assault

What the report says

A woman in Lyantonde District has accused a security guard linked to former Kabula County MP James Kakooza of assaulting her over firewood she says she lawfully collected from land she was allowed to use. According to Nile Post, Kedrace Nahweera of Kitaziguluka Village says the guard, identified as Bright, attacked her on July 28 after alleging she had stolen firewood from Kakooza’s land. Nahweera says the beating left her with a broken arm and has prevented her from working or supporting her family.

The article says Nahweera and another resident, Elivanisa Nabaliisa, insist the firewood came from Nabaliisa’s property, not Kakooza’s land. Nabaliisa said she had given Nahweera permission to collect it. A witness quoted in the report also supported that account, saying the wood was gathered openly during the day. Nahweera further alleged that the guard appeared to be acting under Kakooza’s instructions, though she did not provide evidence of that claim.

Nile Post reported that local residents and the village chairperson said several disputes involving Kakooza had previously been raised in the area. Greater Masaka police spokesperson Twaha Kasirye confirmed that police had received a complaint and had opened an investigation into the alleged assault and the guard’s conduct. Kakooza denied ordering any attack, saying people had encroached on his land and cut trees without permission, and urged police to investigate Nahweera’s actions as well.