NRM denies employing suspected police officer assailant Timbitwire

by · The Observer
Mercy Timbitwire Bashisha

The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party has denied ever employing Mercy Timbitwire Bashisha, who was recently remanded to Luzira Prison on charges related to allegations of slapping a traffic police officer.

During the court session on Monday, the prosecution presented two separate charge sheets detailing offences against Timbitwire and her co-accused, Bernadine Abangira. In one charge sheet, Timbitwire was identified as an editor for an undisclosed entity, while in the other, the police officer who filed the complaint named her as the public relations officer (PRO) at the NRM secretariat.

Despite these claims, the NRM, through its directorate of information, publicity, and public relations, refuted any connection with Timbitwire. They clarified that she has never been employed by the party and dismissed the reports as false and malicious.

“We wish to state categorically that Ms Bashisha is neither a PRO nor a staff member at the NRM secretariat. She has never been part of our team and is completely unknown to us. The circulating reports are false, misleading, and aimed at tarnishing the image of the NRM Party,” read the statement from the NRM.

The statement further emphasized that the NRM does not condone Timbitwire’s reckless actions, including her assault on a law enforcement officer.

“We are glad that the law is taking its due course,” the party added.

Additionally, the NRM’s legal team is following up with the police to understand the source of the claims about Timbitwire’s alleged position at the party. They intend to file a formal complaint about what they describe as “impersonation.”

However, sources familiar with the charge sheet drafting process noted potential discrepancies. They speculated that either the NRM, the police, or Timbitwire herself may have provided incorrect information, as the charge sheet clearly listed her occupation as PRO for the NRM Secretariat.

“Who is lying? Is it the NRM or the police? When someone is arrested, they are required to provide their personal details—name, age, occupation, and other particulars—which are then transferred to the charge sheet and read in court during the plea,” said a source who requested anonymity.

The source further suggested that a mental examination of Timbitwire might be necessary to determine her state of mind. “One can’t be confused about their occupation under normal circumstances,” they added.

Another source defended the police’s credibility, stating that their investigation should not be questioned. “The police have uncovered this information during their duties. Why is the NRM doubting their findings?” the source noted.

The source also expressed concerns about fairness, recalling a previous incident involving senior NRM figure Major General Matayo Kyaligonza, who faced criticism for slapping a female traffic officer but did not face significant consequences. “Why do they target the vulnerable while letting the powerful go free?” the source asked.

Kyaligonza, a former NRM Western Uganda chairperson, had been criticized for a similar assault on a traffic police officer along the Mukono highway several years ago.

Timbitwire has denied all the charges against her, which include the robbery of two mobile phones valued at Shs 800,000, theft of an EPS printer valued at Shs 14 million, reckless driving, driving without third-party motor insurance, and assaulting a police officer.

Her co-accused, Bernadine Abangira, also denied the charges. Both women have been remanded until November 4, 2024.

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