A fresh wave of political discontent is sweeping through Kashaari South County as residents publicly express disappointment and frustration with their Woman Member of Parliament, Margret Ayebare Rwebyambu.
Accusations of divisive politics, tribal sentiments, and failure in service delivery now cloud the MP’s reputation as she grapples with growing opposition and plummeting grassroots support.
The storm erupted on Friday, April 4th, during a community empowerment and family income-generating activity organized by a team affiliated with one of Rwebyambu’s political challengers at Kaguhanzya Playground, Church of Uganda, in Rubaya Subcounty.
The event, which focused on unity and community development, attracted a massive turnout — a testament to the community’s hunger for change and inclusive leadership.
However, what was meant to be a celebration of development turned into political drama. According to multiple residents and local leaders, upon learning of the event’s overwhelming attendance, Hon. Rwebyambu allegedly called the head of laity, Aron Mulindwa — who also doubles as Rwebyambu’s coordinator for Ruhunga Parish — and, along with other Rwebyambu-leaning church leaders, pressured the priest not to allow the function to proceed on the church playground, which hosts approximately 300 people.
Seeing what had happened, a good Samaritan stepped in and offered Stella Gardens, located opposite the church, allowing the function to proceed. Fortunately, the venue was large enough to accommodate over 5,000 people, who turned up in large numbers to grace the event.
Despite the reported attempts to sabotage the event, the people stood their ground. The program went ahead, drawing even more sympathy and support for the organizers, while amplifying the already growing resentment against Rwebyambu.
“We voted her to go and legislate and lobby for us. So what has she lobbied for? Instead of uniting us as a leader, she is spreading sectarianism and tribalism. We want services from anyone, regardless of religion or tribe,” said some of the area residents who attended the function.
Residents now accuse the embattled MP of focusing more on personal battles and political insecurity than on delivering tangible results for the people who entrusted her with leadership. Reports suggest that Rwebyambu’s own functions in the area have struggled to attract attendees, with some meetings reportedly drawing as few as ten people.
“The crowds no longer follow her,” one observer noted. “She moves like a wounded hyena — angry, bitter, and restless — because the people have seen through the empty promises and now yearn for transformation.”
The charged atmosphere in Rubaya underscores a broader sentiment of political fatigue and the electorate’s desire for accountable, inclusive, and service-oriented leadership. Residents are now educating each other about their constitutional rights — including freedom of association and expression — as enshrined in Uganda’s democratic framework ushered in by the ruling NRM government.
As the 2026 elections loom closer, Mbarara’s political temperature is steadily rising. With voters more politically aware and vocal than ever, Hon. Rwebyambu and others eyeing public office are being put to the test — not by their political slogans, but by their service records and ability to unify rather than divide.
For now, one thing is clear: the people of Kashaari South are no longer silent, and their voices are growing louder.
