Ever since Dickson Kateshumbwa, the former Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) Commissioner declared his intention to take up a political office as Sheema Municipality Member of Parliament, his announcement has stirred uneasiness among political actors in the area.
Some of Kateshumbwa’s opponents who were perceived as “untouchables” could never imagine that a new face would since shake up their support base.
And against that backdrop, one of Kateshumbwa’s close opponent Dr. Elioda Tumwesigye through his handlers has kicked off a smear campaign, blackmail, and intolerance as a strategy to curtail the former tax man’s political star.
“Katesh” as he is commonly addressed, has for sometime camped in the constituency canvassing support and manifesting what triggered his ambition and how he intends to execute his manifesto should he be elected as the new Sheema Municipality lawmaker in 2021.
Both Kateshubwa and Elioda, will first tussle for the NRM flag in the primaries.
On Thursday, pictures of a burnt car reportedly belonging to Councilor Allan Matisko of Kyahaju Parish emerged on social media.
Reports suggested that Matsiko’s car was torched by supporters of Kateshumbwa who accuse the councilor of supporting Hon Elioda Tumwesigye.
Reports further alleged that, Katesh’s supporters broke into the councilor’s house, poured fuel allover and locked the occupants inside with an aim of finishing them off in an inferno.
However, authorities in Sheema who asked not to be named said the reports are not true and are malicious.
Preliminary investigation indicate that the car was burnt by people believed to be fans of Elioda. The motive is to cast Kateshumbwa in bad light.
Police is carrying out more investigations.
When contacted, Kateshumbwa said he had no time for cheap propaganda instead he was busy consulting the voters and widening his political base.