Ssekikubo confronting some members of the electorate in the current highly charged election cycle
HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I The Member of Parliament for Lwemiyaga County, Theodore Ssekikubo, narrowly escaped being shot while holding a rally in Lwemiyaga subcounty.
According to available reports, it’s claimed that the MP was addressing a gathering at Kirega Trading Centre, where there was also a rally being held by his rival, Brig. Gen Emmanuel Rwanshande.
Supporters of Ssekikubo reportedly asked Rwanshande’s rally team to lower the volume of their music so that Ssekikubo could speak to his audience.
This request was denied, leading to a confrontation between the two opposing groups. Shortly thereafter, Rwanshande’s soldiers intervened to disperse Ssekikubo’s supporters, but they refused to comply, resulting in chaos.
In this turmoil, the soldiers opened fire on the crowd. A stray bullet struck one individual named Sembusi in the head, causing his immediate death, while another stray bullet grazed Ssekikubo’s finger.
Paul Kangave, the Officer in Charge of Lwemiyaga Police Station, condemned the soldiers’ actions. He said that army officers had used excessive and unwarranted force against a peaceful assembly.
“It is tragic that an innocent life has been lost; it was entirely unnecessary for armed soldiers to resort to excessive measures to control supporters from opposing political factions,” he remarked. media reports
This particular region has a history of electoral violence. During the nomination period, NRM’s Electoral Commission chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi, cautioned the candidates against creating disturbances and urged them to maintain peace throughout the election process.
Who is Rwanshande?
Rtd. Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Rwashande was officially nominated to contest for the Lwemiyaga County MP seat in the NRM local elections. They were however suspended due to violence in Sembabule district.
He is currently campaigning for the parliamentary seat of Lwemiyaga County, a position that Ssekikubo has held for three terms. The retired military officer is supported by several influential figures in the region, including President Museveni’s brother, Michael Nuwagira, known as Toyota, and Maj Gen Phinehas Katirima.
Other candidates vying for this seat include former Transport State Minister Ms. Joy Kabatsi, among others.
