The Luweero District chairperson, Mr. Erustus Kibirango, is under investigation after his official government vehicle was reportedly spotted in a convoy accompanying opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu (Bobi Wine) during a political rally in Luweero and Nakasongola districts.
Mr. Kibirango appeared before detectives from the Savannah Regional Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, following a formal summons. He was accompanied by his official driver and the district vehicle, registration number LG0066-068, which has since been impounded by police.
According to a statement issued by Savannah Region Police spokesperson, Mr. Sam Twineamazima, investigators are handling a case involving the alleged misuse of a government vehicle in violation of Section 28(1) and (4) of the Presidential Elections Act, Cap 179, which prohibits the use of public assets for partisan political activities.
Police allege that on October 10, the vehicle attached to the office of the Luweero District Chairperson was seen moving through several areas, including Busiika, Zirobwe, Kamira, and Kikyusa town councils in Luweero District, before joining a political procession headed to Kalungi playground in Nakasongola District, where Mr. Kyagulanyi was addressing a rally.
Mr. Twineamazima confirmed that the vehicle had been impounded as part of ongoing investigations, and that Mr. Kibirango had recorded a statement before the regional CID officers.
Speaking to the Monitor on Thursday, Mr. Kibirango acknowledged that the police were still holding his official car but played down the matter, describing it as part of a wider pattern of political targeting. He argued that many opposition figures, particularly those from the National Unity Platform (NUP), are likely to face similar scrutiny as the country approaches the January 2026 general elections.
He explained that he had attended the political procession in his capacity as a member of the Luweero District Security Committee, tasked with maintaining order during public gatherings.
Mr. Kibirango said that his appearance and use of the government vehicle were meant to help maintain order as a member of the district security committee, and that he had not directly used the vehicle for campaigns. He added that he would let investigators and the Director of Public Prosecutions determine the outcome of the case.
The development has reignited debate over the double standards surrounding the use of public resources in Uganda’s political environment. Critics point to previous incidents, including a case where a UPDF truck was seen transporting alleged supporters of the ruling NRM party to a campaign event in Kampala.
As a lawyer, Mr. Kibirango said he understands the legal boundaries on public resource use but claimed he may have been caught between his administrative duties and his political affiliations.
However, constitutional lawyer Peter Walubiri emphasized that the law is clear and applies uniformly to all public officials, regardless of political affiliation.
Mr. Walubiri noted that the law explicitly prohibits the use of public resources for partisan activity, and that it is meant to ensure fairness, although in practice, the sitting President often benefits from state resources. He added that the legal provisions are clearly defined and that vehicles, funds, and other government assets should not be misused.
The police have not disclosed when the investigation is expected to conclude, but the incident has already sparked renewed discussion about the ethical use of government property during Uganda’s heated election season.
