Africa-Press – Uganda. Political tensions in Lwemiyaga County have escalated as National Resistance Movement (NRM) parliamentary flagbearer aspirants unite in rare agreement over the army’s role in the primaries.
Incumbent MP Theodore Ssekikubo, along with rivals Joy Kabatsi and Edmond Bwire, have condemned what they call unlawful militarisation of the election process after a civilian was reportedly killed.
The contest for the NRM flag in Lwemiyaga, Sembabule District, has grown increasingly tense, with long-time legislator Ssekikubo facing formidable competition in one of the region’s most charged intra-party battles.
But amid the rivalry, three of the main contenders have closed ranks to raise alarm over the presence of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers in the area.
Kabatsi, a former State Minister for Animal Industry and a key challenger in the race, blamed the military presence for intimidating voters and alleged that it had already led to bloodshed.
“We cannot allow the military to oversee elections in Lwemiyaga,” said Kabatsi. “The army has already killed Ssembuuzi Fred, a young man who still had his future ahead of him. That is unacceptable.”
Her remarks were echoed by Ssekikubo and fellow contender Edmond Bwire, who both accused unnamed actors of abusing military power to influence the outcome of the primaries.
“There are people misusing the army in this election, going beyond its constitutional mandate,” said Ssekikubo.
“This is not just about politics anymore — it’s about justice and accountability.”
Bwire added that the presence of the army was causing fear rather than safeguarding peace. “Elections should be free and fair, not controlled by guns,” he said.
However, retired UPDF officer Emmanuel Rwashande, who is also contesting in the race, dismissed their accusations and called for increased security deployment in the constituency.
“I believe we still have too few security personnel to guarantee peace in all of Lwemiyaga,” said Brigadier-General Rwashande.
“We genuinely need more boots on the ground.”
Despite their unified stance against the use of the army, Kabatsi and Bwire maintained that Ssekikubo’s two-decade stay in Parliament had run its course.
“He has led long enough,” said Kabatsi. “It’s time for new leadership.”
As NRM internal elections continue across the country, the situation in Lwemiyaga has emerged as a microcosm of broader concerns about the transparency and fairness of the party’s primary process. How the party addresses these issues could have long-term implications for its unity and public trust.
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