{UAH} NRM chief escapes lynching over money - National

http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/NRM-chief-escapes-lynching-over-money/-/688334/3228764/-/xtji6j/-/index.html

NRM chief escapes lynching over money - National

MBARARA- The NRM chairperson for Kakiika Division, Mr Benon Mugume, on Tuesday escaped lynching by some angry residents for allegedly conning them out of Shs3m in an out-of-court case settlement.

The Mbarara Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Mr Vincent Kamugisha, who had accompanied him at the Resident State Attorney's office could not save him from being roughed up.
Mr Kamugisha retreated to his office a few metres away to save himself from the charged group. It was the police guarding Mbarara Resident Attorney's office and the neighbouring High Court premises that rescued Mr Mugume, who residents had forcefully held, tearing his clothes in the process and tried to force into a waiting vehicle.

The conflict between Mr Mugume and residents started during the last elections in which he lost the Kakiika LC3 seat to Mr Brazio Gumisiriza Kyabwiso.

After elections, Mr Mugume sued eight people from his rival's camp over kidnap and assault. The case was set to be heard on Tuesday at Mbarara Magistrate's Court.

However, on Monday, the residents said they had a reconciliatory meeting at the deputy RDC's office and agreed that Mr Mugume be compensated Shs3m to settle this case out of court which they claim they paid.

The residents were infuriated on Tuesday morning when they were told that the accused were to appear and that Mr Mugume had denied receiving the money to withdraw the case.

"We sat with Mr Mugume and he agreed to withdraw the charges he had brought against some of our colleagues, we agreed that we pay him Shs3m as out-of-court settlement, which we did, but we were surprised to be told he had denied receiving the money," said Mr
Mr David Akandwanaho, the councillor Rwemigina parish, accused Mr Mugume of dishonesty. However, Mr Mugume said he never received the money for an out-of-court settlement. He said it was the money the accused had grabbed from his wife during the election.

"I did not ask them for any money to settle this case out of court, this was my wife's money they stole; my case stands and will follow it up to the logical conclusion," said Mr Mugume.

Mr Kamugisha, who is said to have mediated between the two parties, refused to talk to the press about the matter.

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