By Our ReporterKINKIZI WEST –
The political ambitions of the embattled retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) John Ndungutse Ngaruye appear to have died before they even started. After being overwhelmingly rejected in the NRM primaries, the embattled former police officer—now struggling independent aspirant—has sunk to a new low: allegedly hiring goons to terrorize voters in a desperate attempt to remain politically relevant. Ndungutse, who was humiliatingly defeated—coming a distant third—behind the widely accepted NRM flag bearer Hon. James Kaberuka Ruugi Niringiyimana and Safari Christopher, seems incapable of accepting the simple truth: the people of Kinkizi West do not want him. And so, in typical desperation, he has now resorted to crude, village-level intimidation, hoping it will breathe life into his dead-on-arrival political dream.
Goons Unleashed as Ndungutse’s Hopes Collapse
According to eyewitnesses, chaos erupted on Wednesday, 19th Nov 2025, in Nyanga Sub-County—ironically Ndungutse’s home area—when a gang of disorderly youth hired by the defeated aspirant attempted to disrupt Kaberuka’s officially scheduled rally. The group tried to block Kaberuka’s convoy, hurled insults, and provoked supporters in a poorly executed show of force that only exposed one thing: Ndungutse’s ambitions have collapsed beyond repair.Security was forced to calm the situation. After Ndungutse’s orders to police Kaberuka’s supporter named Haruna was arrested, only for police to immediately release him and apologize to Kaberuka after discovering the obvious—that the violence had been orchestrated by Ndungutse’s hired hooligans. Whereas Kaberuka was on his official campaign program as approved, Ndugutse who comes from Nyanga believes that no body else should campaign in his Subcounty which is a falacy.
A Pattern of Intimidation, Delusion & Political Self-Deception
This is not the first time the former police commander—still intoxicated with long-gone power—has attempted to impose himself on unwilling voters. On nomination day, 24th Oct 2025, his supporters again attempted to provoke Kaberuka’s peaceful procession in Nyanga causing a confrontation. During the NRM primaries, he was notorious for using personal bodyguards, hired kanyamas, and compromised police officers to terrorize residents. People in Nyanga still recount how he threw teargas canisters into people’s homes and threatened anyone who dared oppose him. However his impunity came to an end when he attempted to force his way into the tally centre with a band of goons, claiming he had authority “as a former AIGP”—only to be punched and pushed out by security after becoming excessively unruly.
Ndungutse’s arrogance and cheap popularity was displayed during NRM primaries where he campaigned claiming to be a state sponsored candidate. Ndungutse once-powerful officer is now reduced to an object of ridicule, wandering from one scandal to another like a man haunted by a power he no longer possesses.
Forged Results, Fake Celebrations & an Imaginary Victory
After losing the NRM primaries disgracefully, Ndungutse performed perhaps the most embarrassing act of political comedy seen in Kinkizi West: he organized celebrations claiming he had won. He even told gatherings that he had spoken to President Museveni, insisting the NRM Chairman was “going to declare him winner”—a claim so laughable it became a village joke. His fabricated “victory” collapsed swiftly when the NRM Electoral Commission Tribunal uncovered that he had submitted forged declaration forms. His petition was dumped straight into the dustbin, where many believe his political career also belongs.
A Former AIGP Stuck in the Past, Rejected in the Present
Local leaders say Ndungutse is incapable of accepting that his time in uniform is over. His attempts to bark orders at police which he nolonger commands and trying to order civilians, intimidate voters, and parade himself as a special authority have made him the most unpopular candidate in the race. “Ndungutse forgets he retired. He is a civilian like everyone else,” a one Tumukunde noted. “Voters cannot be commanded. He cannot force himself on us.”
Voters Rally Behind Kaberuka as Ndungutse’s Desperation Backfires
As the campaigns gain momentum, residents are increasingly disgusted by Ndungutse’s thuggish tactics. Every act of violence only drives more people into the camp of Hon. James Kaberuka—whose calm, consistent and lawful approach stands in complete contrast to Ndungutse’s chaotic desperation.
The once-feared police officer now finds himself lonely, rejected, exposed, and mocked. What was supposed to be his grand political entry has instead become a cautionary tale of arrogance, entitlement, and spectacular failure.As Kinkizi West heads closer to the polls, only one question remains:Will Ndungutse finally accept that his political career died on arrival—or will he continue embarrassing himself with the same desperation, delusion, and goon tactics that have already doomed him?