There is escalating public criticism against the Mbarara city North member of parliament-MP Robert Mwesigwa Rukaari over what the locals have called “absence on ground”, with some asking him to resign which may negatively affect his support if he seeks a second term in 2026.
A wave of scandals and troubles including the recent one when he was arrested and remanded to Luzira over UGX700 million, has now been joined by almost daily criticism against the conceit legislator who doubles as the NRM entrepreneurs league national chairperson.
CASTIGATION. On Friday, April 28,2023, 1000s of people including over 10 members of parliament and other officials gathered at independence park grounds in Mbarara city for city women’s day celebrations organized by the area woman MP Hon Rita Atukwasa Bwahika.
On the ceremony that was presided over by deputy speaker Thomas Tayebwa who represented speaker Anita Among as the Chief Guest, over UGX50 million was collected in a fundraising geared towards social economic transformation initiative by Hon Rita – especially empowering girls and women in the city.
With all area MPs in attendance (except Rukaari), the public questioned his reasons to shun the celebrations yet he was invited. He has not yet explained reasons for his absence, which has left many people castigating him for being disconnected from ground and not cooperating with fellow leaders.
Recently, Rukaari was also accused by local leaders including councilors for not working jointly with them which has left many gaps in service delivery, and the division even failed to recover over 100 million in revenue due to his poor oversight.
Rukaari won the MP seat and replaced Tusiime Michael in 2021, but reports from the grassroots confirm that some groups of people are already regretting and asking Tusiime to contest in 2026.
Rukaari is also the Chairman of East African Procurement News Company – a sister company of AMPROC INC, an American procurement company.
