KAMPALA, UGANDA | NOWVIBA — The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party has distanced itself from Mercy Timbitwire Bashisha, who was remanded to Luzira Prison following charges stemming from a viral video in which she was seen slapping a traffic police officer at the UMA Showgrounds in Kampala.
During a recent court session, the prosecution presented two charge sheets listing offenses against Timbitwire and her co-accused, Bernadine Abangira. In one charge sheet, Timbitwire was described as an editor for an unnamed organization, while in another, a police officer identified her as the Public Relations Officer at the NRM Secretariat.
However, NRM’s Director of Information, Publicity, and Public Relations, Emmanuel Dombo, clarified that Timbitwire is not an employee of the party. “We want to stress that Ms. Bashisha is neither a PRO nor a staff member at the NRM Secretariat. In fact, she has never been affiliated with our organization, and the circulating reports are false and intended to harm the NRM's reputation,” he stated.
The NRM also condemned Timbitwire’s actions, particularly the assault on a law enforcement officer, and expressed relief that the legal system is addressing the matter. They mentioned that their legal team is investigating the circumstances of the charges and may file a formal complaint regarding the alleged impersonation.
Sources close to the situation suggest there may be inconsistencies in the charge sheet, prompting speculation that either the NRM, police, or the accused might be providing incorrect information, while asserting that the media accurately reported Timbitwire’s details.
“Who is lying? Is it the NRM or the police? The arrest process requires the accused to provide specific information, which is then recorded in the charge sheet,” remarked one anonymous source.
Another source emphasized the credibility of the police, questioning why the NRM is disputing their findings. “Is the police not credible in their investigations? Their conclusions should be trusted,” they stated.
Concerns about fairness were raised, referencing a previous incident involving Major General Matayo Kyaligonza, a senior NRM figure, who faced criticism for slapping a traffic officer and seemingly avoiding repercussions. “Why do they target the vulnerable while allowing prominent figures to go free?” the source questioned.
Timbitwire has denied all charges against her, which include robbery of two mobile phones valued at 800,000 shillings, an EPS printer machine worth 14 million shillings, reckless driving, and assaulting a police officer. Her co-accused, Abangira, also denied the allegations. Both individuals have been remanded until November 4, 2024.
