Violent Clashes Erupt at Political Rally in Uganda's Sembabule District, MP Theodore Ssekikubo Injured

A tragic turn of events unfolded this week in Sembabule District, Uganda, as a political rally organized by Lwemiyaga County legislator Theodore Ssekikubo turned chaotic and deadly. The disturbing incident left one civilian dead and three individuals, including the MP, injured.

On Thursday evening, the meeting at Kirega Trading Centre in Lwemiyaga Sub-county descended into chaos when Ssekikubo's supporters clashed with those of his main rival, Brig (Rtd) Emmanuel Rwashande. The conflict began when Ssekikubo's campaign requested Rwashande's team to lower the volume of music at the venue to allow the MP to address his supporters. However, this request was met with rejection.

Allegedly, soldiers believed to be part of Rwashande's security detail then appeared on the scene and ordered Ssekikubo's supporters to leave the venue. When they refused, the soldiers opened fire, resulting in the death of a man identified as Ssembusi. In the ensuing chaos, a stray bullet struck MP Ssekikubo on one of his fingers, while another supporter was hit in the head.

The actions of the soldiers were strongly condemned by the police, with Paul Kanganve, the officer in charge of Lwemiyaga Police Station, stating, "It is regrettable that an innocent life has been lost. It was unnecessary for armed soldiers to use excessive force to calm down supporters of rival political camps."

Brig Rwashande is reportedly backed by high-ranking figures such as retired Maj Gen Phenehas Katirima and President Museveni's younger brother, Michael Toyota Nuwagira, the chairperson of the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU). Rwashande is challenging Ssekikubo for the NRM flag in the 2026 elections, causing tension in the region, particularly within the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), whose local primaries have a history of being marred by violence.

The latest incident bears similarities to past episodes of unrest in Sembabule. In 2010, MP Ssekikubo infamously overturned a basin of electoral materials at Sembabule playground, alleging rigging, leading to a violent confrontation 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.

Apart from Ssekikubo, other contenders in Lwemiyaga include former Minister Joy Kabatsi, John Patrick Kateeba, 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.

In light of the continued clashes, NRM electoral commission chairperson Mr Tanga Odoi has warned all party leaders and supporters in Sembabule to refrain from violence, stating that the continued violence is 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 – once again.