Rukungiri Municipality Mayor Boaz Kansiime Matiita has blamed what he described as a lack of cooperation and follow-up by people from Rukungiri for the prolonged detention of opposition figure Colonel (Rtd) Dr. Kizza Besigye.
Matiita made the remarks on Monday, August 17, 2026, while addressing mourners during the funeral Mass of the late Joseline Kyotungire Mpirirwe at Runyinya Kinombe Village in Kagashe Ward, Eastern Division, Rukungiri Municipality.
The mayor acknowledged that Besigye has spent more than two years in detention, arguing that the situation could have been addressed more effectively if people from Rukungiri had actively pursued efforts to secure his release.
He cited residents of Kisoro as an example, saying they had previously followed up on matters concerning former Inspector General of Police General Kale Kayihura, suggesting that similar determination from Rukungiri residents could have made a difference.
Matiita further pointed to the presence of several senior government officials with links to the region, including two ministers, the Chief Justice and the Commissioner General of Prisons, whom he said could play a role in facilitating what he termed harmonisation efforts.
However, he expressed concern that despite having such influential figures, people in the area had remained reluctant to push for action, which he suggested had contributed to the continued detention of the former presidential candidate.
Meanwhile, mourners at the funeral remembered Joseline Kyotungire Mpirirwe as a hardworking, loving and God-fearing woman. Her husband, Aloysius Mpirirwe, urged newly married couples to remain positive and avoid separation when confronted with challenges.
Joseline died of breast cancer at the age of 61 while receiving treatment at 3 Rivers Hospital along Buganda Road in Kampala. She left behind eight children and nine grandchildren, with relatives and clergy praising her commitment to family, faith, charity and service to others.
