The political landscape of Rukungiri last week on Friday May 16th 2025 witnessed a significant upheaval, culminating in the downfall of Nyakishenyi Sub Couty Chairperson Wednesday Twinomujuni, a once-prominent figure in the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Twinomujuni’s decline can be attributed to a series of missteps and controversies that have alienated him from both the electorate and his political allies.
This article delves into the key factors that contributed to his downfall, illustrating the complexities of local governance and political dynamics within the NRM.
1. Unfair and Reckless Tax Enforcement
One of the primary reasons for Chairman Wednesday Twinomujuni’s decline was his administration’s aggressive tax enforcement policies. Small-scale traders and peasant farmers in the sub county faced harsh tax collections that many perceived as punitive.
These policies not only strained the livelihoods of local businesses but also fostered resentment among constituents who felt exploited rather than supported. The lack of a fair and transparent tax system alienated a crucial voter base, undermining his support.
2. Battering with Kiboko
In an alarming trend, Chairman Wednesday Twinomujuni was reported to have endorsed the use of violence in resolving family disputes, using the infamous “kiboko” (whip) as a tool for punishment. This tactic, often exercised by local authorities, reflects a broader failure to address community issues through peaceful mediation.
Many citizens argued that this was the responsibility of the Community Development Officer (CDO) to facilitate reconciliation rather than resorting to physical punishment. Such actions painted Wednesday as a tyrant, further damaging his reputation.
3. Conspiracy with the Speaker
Chairman Wednesday’s political maneuvering also involved conspiring with local leadership, particularly the council speaker, to award lucrative sub county contracts to acquaintances. This practice of nepotism not only raised ethical concerns but also created a perception of corruption within his administration. The local populace, already distrustful of political elites, viewed these actions as self-serving, leading to a significant erosion of confidence in his leadership.
4. Illicit Technicalities in Politics
In a bid to consolidate power, Wednesday engaged in questionable tactics within the LC1 NRM mainstream politics. He sought to eliminate opponents through the manipulation of technicalities, often disqualifying them on dubious grounds. This strategy backfired, as it fostered an environment of fear and distrust, further alienating potential supporters who felt disenfranchised by his tactics.
5. Unwarranted Alliances
Another contributing factor to Wednesday’s downfall was his formation of alliances with upcoming NRM constituency aspirants that locals were suspicious of. These alliances appeared opportunistic and were not well-received by the community, leading to a perception that he was more interested in political survival than in genuine representation. The disconnect between his alliances and the sentiments of the electorate created a rift that proved difficult to bridge.
6. The Mihenvu Sacco Saga
The Mihenvu Sacco controversy was a pivotal moment in Wednesday Twinomujuni’s political career. He and his associates faced backlash for the alleged misuse of a 100 million Ugandan shillings presidential donation intended for local development.
The scandal not only tarnished his reputation but also raised questions about his integrity and commitment to serving the community. The fallout from this incident was significant, leading to increased scrutiny of his administration.
7. Impartiality in the Coffee Development Project
Another misstep was his handling of the Kigezi growers’ cooperative union based in Nyakishenyi locally known as Rwanyundo pulpery. The truck donated by the president for this initiative was sold without clear communication or transparency, leading to accusations of favoritism and improper management.
This deliberate impartiality further alienated the community and raised suspicions about his motives, contributing to the growing discontent among constituents.
The intervention of the district works department towards Wednesday’s community access roads project ( bulungi bwansi) on grounds of extortion as alleged by the Nyakishenyi locals and the subsequent ban over his bulungi bwansi mobilisation insinuated a- last- nail to the coffin to a once viewed as an infallible and blue eyed Yello boy of Nyakishenyi land.
8. Omission from Presidential Meeting
In mid-2024, Chairman Wednesday was notably absent from a list of local leaders selected to meet the president. Only the Sub County NRM chairman for Nyakishenyi was excluded, a move that many interpreted as a significant snub.
This exclusion highlighted his dwindling influence within the party and further exacerbated his estrangement from the political elite, signaling to his constituents that his standing was deteriorating.
9. Personal Scandals
Perhaps one of the most damaging aspects of Wednesday’s downfall was his personal life. His relationship with the council speaker, which produced a child outside of marriage, became a point of public scrutiny.
This scandal not only affected his personal reputation but also raised questions about his character and suitability for leadership. Voters who valued integrity and moral authority were disillusioned by his actions, further eroding his support base.
10. The Unfulfilled Ambulance Pledge
Lastly, the unfulfilled promise of an ambulance for the community, with proceeds from a Thanksgiving event remaining unaccounted for, exemplified Wednesday’s failure to deliver on critical community needs. This broken promise left many residents feeling neglected and disillusioned, contributing to a growing narrative of incompetence and untrustworthiness surrounding his leadership.
It should be remembered that tensions flared in Nyakishenyi Sub County after Charles Muhwezi defeated incumbent LC3 Chairperson Twinonujuni Wednesday by 187 to 157 votes. Although the subcounty chairperson position was decided, elections for other committee organs were postponed due to procedural issues. Muhwezi, expressed gratitude for the trust voters placed in him, noting that he had been pursuing leadership roles since 2006.
Wednesday didn’t go alone, the election also floored his accomplice, the Sub County Speaker Asiimwe Lovence who was also contesting for the post of the Sub County NRM General Secretary. Asiimwe miserably lost with 50 votes against 166 gnarred by the winner.
After a disappointing defeat in Nyakishenyi Sub County NRM polls, Wednesday Twinomujuni now eyes the District NRM Publicity Secretary seat, that many already convinced that he might as well lose.
A Cautionary Tale
Chairman Wednesday Twinomujuni’s downfall serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of political mismanagement and the importance of community engagement. His administration’s failures—ranging from harsh tax policies to personal scandals—highlight the need for leaders to prioritize transparency, integrity, and genuine connections with their constituents.
As Rukungiri moves forward, the lessons learned from Wednesday Twinomujuni’s tenure will likely shape the future of NRM politics in the region, emphasizing the necessity for leaders who can inspire trust and foster inclusive governance.
