Sembabule, Uganda | In a stunning political upset, Brigadier General (Rtd) Emmanuel Rwashande has defeated long-serving MP Theodore Ssekikubo to become the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer for Lwemiyaga County in the 2026 general elections.
The results, announced at 6:00 a.m. on July 18, show Rwashande securing 16,358 votes against Ssekikubo’s 8,702.
Former minister Joy Kabatsi came a distant third with 473 votes, while Jacob Kato trailed with just 11.
The victory marks the end of Ssekikubo’s two-decade dominance in Lwemiyaga politics and signals a major shift in the district’s power dynamics.
Ssekikubo, a vocal legislator known for his fierce independence and frequent criticism of his own party’s leadership, had previously defied internal NRM directives and repeatedly clashed with both national and district party structures.
Brig. Gen. (Rtd) Rwashande, a former director of veteran affairs at the Ministry of Defence, retired from military service in 2022 and has since repositioned himself as a unifying force in Sembabule politics.
With strong grassroots networks and quiet backing from key NRM influencers, Rwashande’s campaign focused on restoring party cohesion, championing service delivery, and ending what many in the district viewed as political gridlock caused by Ssekikubo’s frequent confrontations with fellow leaders.
The rivalry between Rwashande and Ssekikubo intensified in the run-up to the primaries.
Tensions over voter registers, allegations of intimidation, and disputes about the party’s electoral roadmap have long plagued the Lwemiyaga race.
In his post-victory remarks, Rwashande urged unity among NRM members and called on all contestants to rally behind the party for the 2026 general elections.
“The people have spoken. It’s now time to work together for the betterment of Lwemiyaga,” he said.
Elsewhere in Sembabule District, Hanifah Kawooya Bangirina was declared NRM flag bearer for Mawogola West, Florence Nambaziira won the District Woman MP flag, Aine Sodo Kaguta retained the flag for Mawogola North, and Dez Oswald Byuma emerged victorious for Mawogola South.
The results reflect a broader reshaping of Sembabule’s political terrain as the NRM seeks to consolidate support ahead of the national vote next year.
 Emmanuel Rwashande has defeated long-serving MP Theodore Ssekikubo){kind=link}