Winner of Rushenyi County NRM primary election Minister Mwesigwa Rukutana has spoken out on what propelled him to seize a rifle from his bodyguard on September 5, an act that landed him in jail until he was given bail on 15th.
In a video that rocked internet, the Labour Minister was filmed advancing to unknown people in a car who were overheard wailing how Rukutana was going to shoot them.
It later emerged that the unidentified people were supporters of Rukutana’s rival Naome Kabasharira.
Rukutana on Wednesday while at his in Kampala home celebrating his victory, came out to explain circumstances that compelled him to grab a gun saying he wanted to rescue his son who had been held hostage by the “goons.” at his farm.
“I regret the provocation that led me to grab a gun from my bodyguard. But I wanted to rescue my son whom the goons who had hoods wanted to burn,” Rukutana elucidated moments after he was declared the duly elected flagbearer of Rushenyi after defeating his rival with 20 votes.
“I sent my son to pick a priest and we go for burial. But they were intercepted by goons. Somehow, the priest managed to escape. He called me and said that my son was in trouble. Shortly after, my son called and said the goons wanted to burn him,” he added.
Rukutana was incarcerated for 11 days following the incident.
He clarified that there was no shooting, and that he was startled to be charged with attempted murder by shooting.
He further opened up on a picture which circulated on internet in which he carried a gun as he walked in the jungle.
“That was 6 years ago. Only that my children shared it on Facebook recently.”
Rukutana insists that he is a cool headed “fella” but doesn’t regret his actions towards judge Catherine Bamugemereire when he told her to “go and hang” in a land probe committee last year.