How Kinkizi Bishop Plotted Malicious Arrest of Kanungu District Chairman NRM Flagbearer Justus Tibesigwa Using Tom Magambo’s Name — Just 2 Days to Voting Day

Fresh details have emerged revealing how the Bishop of Kinkizi Diocese, in collaboration with a group of Anglican lay canons, orchestrated a plot to have Rev. Justus Tibesigwa — the NRM flagbearer for Kanungu District Chairman — arrested just two days before the NRM primaries.

According to sources within the diocese, the malicious plan was designed to transport Tibesigwa from Kanungu to Kampala under the guise of criminal charges. The goal: to sabotage his participation in the party primaries through possible malicious prosecution.

Insiders allege that a clique of wealthy Kanungu tycoons and a former high-ranking political figure had conspired to have Tibesigwa falsely charged in coordination with rogue detectives and judicial officers at Buganda Road Court.

Trumped-Up Charges and a Plot to Remand

The diocese had allegedly already drafted trumped-up charges meant to land Rev. Tibesigwa in Luzira Prison, which would have disorganized his campaign and cleared the path for Bishop Zoreka’s preferred candidate, Caleb Kipande.

The plan involved cooperation between some rogue police officers at Kanungu Central Police Station, CID officials from the Kigezi regional police headquarters in Kabale, and individuals falsely invoking the name of AIGP Tom Magambo, Director of CID.

A source from the diocese disclosed:

“The Bishop and his associates had already submitted fake charges. The plan was to detain Tibesigwa at CPS Kampala, present him to Buganda Road Court the next day, and deny him bail.”

Another source questioned the logic behind the arrest:

“If Tibesigwa committed a crime in Kanungu, why transport him over 400 kilometers to Kampala? Was he a terrorist or had he committed treason that Kanungu Police couldn’t handle?”

Baryomunsi Intervenes

Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Kinkiizi East MP and Minister for ICT and National Guidance, confirmed that he was tipped off about Tibesigwa’s arrest while in his Kampala office.

“I tried calling Rev. Tibesigwa, but his phone was off. I contacted the Kanungu RDC and DPC, but they both denied any knowledge of the arrest,” Baryomunsi said.

About 30 minutes later, Tibesigwa returned the call and confirmed he had been arrested and was being driven to Kampala. When Baryomunsi spoke to the arresting officer — identified as the Deputy Regional CID Officer for Kigezi, based in Kabale — he was told the arrest was related to a case involving the Kinkizi Diocese, where Tibesigwa had previously worked. The officer claimed the arrest was ordered by CID headquarters in Kampala.

However, when Baryomunsi called AIGP Tom Magambo, the CID chief denied issuing any such order. A conference call was initiated, and the Kabale officer was immediately instructed to turn around and return Tibesigwa to his home in Kanungu.

“Later, I found out that a Kanungu officer named Bwambale had facilitated the arrest,” Baryomunsi revealed, vowing to investigate those behind the malicious political interference.

“We will identify and bring to book those who abuse police authority to interfere with local politics, especially during sensitive election periods,” he added.

A Pattern of Persecution

This is not the first time Rev. Tibesigwa has been targeted under the alleged influence of Bishop Dan Zoreka. Years ago, Zoreka orchestrated another arrest, accusing Tibesigwa of attempting to poison him.

Zoreka personally recorded a statement at CID headquarters in Kibuli, claiming that Tibesigwa had sent witchcraft through a maid to harm him and his wife. The bishop even submitted herbal materials as “evidence,” which, after examination at the Government Analytical Laboratory in Wandegeya, turned out to be nothing more than crushed blackjack leaves and hair — with no traces of poison.

The case was later closed by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions due to lack of evidence. Investigations revealed that the bishop had paid the maids — one of his and one of Tibesigwa’s — both from Kinaba, to testify against Tibesigwa if the matter reached court.

Their fallout had culminated in the bishop defrocking Tibesigwa following bitter disagreements, leading to years of hostility.

Politics in the Pulpit

Throughout the NRM campaign season, Bishop Zoreka has been accused of actively campaigning against Tibesigwa and endorsing his rival, Kipande, as the Diocese’s preferred candidate. Sources close to the bishop say he sees Tibesigwa’s political rise as a personal defeat and a threat to his legacy.

“The Bishop is expected to retire within a year or two. He fears that if Tibesigwa becomes the District Chairman, he’ll be forced to seek help from a man he tried to destroy,” said a source.

Victory Against All Odds

Despite the smear campaigns, false arrests, and interference from church and political elites, Rev. Justus Tibesigwa triumphed. He was elected as the NRM flagbearer for Kanungu District Chairman in the 2026 general elections.

His victory marks not just a political milestone but also a personal vindication in the face of years of persecution and manipulation.