Political violence returned to haunt Sembabule District this week after a campaign rally in Lwemiyaga County turned deadly, leaving one person shot dead and two others, including area MP Theodore Ssekikubo, injured in chaotic scenes blamed on factional clashes and military interference.
The violence erupted on Thursday evening at Kirega Trading Centre in Lwemiyaga Sub-county during a rally organised by MP Ssekikubo.
The meeting quickly degenerated into chaos when his supporters clashed with those of his main rival, Brig (Rtd) Emmanuel Rwashande, who is challenging Ssekikubo for the NRM flag in the 2026 elections.
According to eyewitnesses, the violence began when Ssekikubo’s camp asked Rwashande’s team to reduce loud music playing at the venue to allow the MP to address supporters — a request that was flatly rejected.
Moments later, soldiers alleged to be part of Rwashande’s security detail emerged and reportedly ordered Ssekikubo’s supporters to vacate the venue.
When they refused, the soldiers opened fire, killing a man identified only as Ssembusi.
In the ensuing stampede, a stray bullet struck MP Ssekikubo on one of his fingers while another supporter was hit in the head.
Police condemned the actions of the soldiers. Mr Paul Kanganve, the officer in charge of Lwemiyaga Police Station, said the use of force was unnecessary.
“It is unfortunate an innocent life has been lost. It was really unnecessary for armed soldiers to use excessive force to calm down supporters of rival political camps,” he was quoted by the media as saying.
Brig Rwashande is reportedly backed by high-ranking figures including retired Maj Gen Phenehas Katirima and President Museveni’s younger brother, Michael Toyota Nuwagira, the chairperson of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU).
His bid to unseat Ssekikubo has raised tensions in the region, especially within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), whose local primaries have long been marred by violence.
The latest incident mirrors past episodes of unrest in Sembabule. In 2010, MP Ssekikubo famously kicked over a basin of electoral materials at Sembabule playground, alleging rigging, leading to a violent standoff with security forces.
Sembabule remains one of Uganda’s most politically volatile districts.
On May 23, another NRM primary process for the district chairperson post was suspended after supporters of Minister Anifa Kawooya and Gen Katirima clashed violently.
Other contenders in Lwemiyaga include former Minister Joy Kabatsi, Mr John Patrick Kateeba, Mr Edmond Bwire Nuwagaba, lawyer Geofrey Tumusiime Ndengana, Migadde Juugu Amooti, and Kato Jacob Mwesigye — all NRM-leaning aspirants. Dr Asaph Tumwebaze is running as an independent.
NRM electoral commission chairperson Mr Tanga Odoi has since warned all party leaders and supporters in Sembabule to restrain from violence, saying the continued clashes are tarnishing the party’s image.
As campaigns heat up ahead of the 2026 general election, observers warn that unless strong action is taken, Sembabule risks becoming a flashpoint of political instability — again.
