Africa-Press – Uganda. For 25 years, Theodore Ssekikubo has been a constant in Sembabule politics: loud, combative, and unrelenting in his constituency of Lwemiyaga. He has fought his party, clashed with colleagues in Parliament, and survived bruising elections.
But this time, as he seeks to return to Parliament as an independent candidate, the odds appear stacked higher than ever against him. Some whisper, echoing John Donne’s words: “Never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.”
In Lwemiyaga, the bell may now toll for Ssekikubo.
The NRM has turned its back, handing the flag to Brig Gen Emmanuel Rwashande. The ruling party machinery is visibly tired of a man it accuses of “rebellion within.” For long the so-called “rebel MP”, it appears that the end of such is nigh.
And on the ground, voters are beginning to question what, exactly, Ssekikubo has achieved in his long stay.
Ssekikubo’s 2021 manifesto lingers in people’s memories. He promised better health services, revived cooperatives, fair land use, and stronger schools.
Critics, however, say most of those pledges remain unfulfilled.
“Twenty-five years in Parliament, and we still have the same problems – poor roads, farmers cheated by middlemen, and health centres without medicine,” said Ibrahim Ssemuyule, a farmer in Lwemiyaga.
“He talks a lot, but where are the results?”
When Theodore Ssekikubo first entered Parliament in 2001, he brought lofty promises that raised local hopes. He pledged to open dairy centres and launch 25 projects aimed at improving farmers’ livelihoods.
Nearly 25 years later, residents say those promises have never materialized.
“We were told that dairy centers would be established to strengthen our incomes, but to this day, nothing has been seen,” Milly Kariisa, a resident, said.
Some voters also point to accusations of land grabbing, which he has consistently denied but which refuse to fade.
“He used to speak for us, now he is accused of the same things he once fought against,” said Sulait Kalanzi.
“We don’t have a secondary school in this constituency and we are wondering why Lwemiyaga was left behind when government is building seed schools. It’s just because our MP doesn’t care about us,” said Sarah Ssemusogga.
Ssekikubo’s maverick streak has long rattled the NRM. From openly defying party positions to spearheading censure signatures against Mathias Mpuuga, his actions have deepened his isolation.
“NRM appears tired of him,” said a party insider in Sembabule. “He has been more of a problem than an asset. This time, they want someone they can control.”
For the first time in years, the party is fully rallying behind a rival – leaving Ssekikubo politically homeless.
Yet writing him off may be premature. Ugandan politics is littered with stories of candidates who lost in chaotic primaries but bounced back as independents. Cue Agnes Nandutu, whose upstart story was nearly buried before it had sprouted in Bududa back in 2021 only to emerge so strong as an independent.
In Lwemiyaga, where elections have been violent and deeply factional since 2001, personality often trumps party loyalty. In a way, Ssekikubo has benefited a lot from the electoral shenaniganism in Lwemiyaga until a man whose guards tot the guns showed up.
“People here vote for individuals, not just the party colour,” noted political analyst Frank Basaaza.
“Ssekikubo has name recognition, and that alone is still a weapon.” Some youth remain sympathetic.
“He annoys many people, but at least he speaks his mind. Better a loud mouth than someone who will keep quiet in Kampala,” said Ivan, a boda rider in Ntutsi.
But this time, the race is sharply divided between the Baraalo and the Bamwiiru clans. “Have you ever seen any Mwiiru supporting Gen Rwashande? Ssekikubo might win,” a resident told, asking not to be named.
Fatigue, however, is real. Even among his diehard supporters, whispers are growing that he has overstayed.
“Too long, too noisy, and with little to show,” said one disgruntled supporter. Facing a determined NRM machine and opposition candidates eager to exploit the split, Ssekikubo is heading into perhaps the defining battle of his career.
Does he still stand a chance? Yes – but barely. His survival will depend on whether his old magic of defiance can outweigh rising voter fatigue, unfulfilled promises, and a party that seems done with him, said Annet Namwejje.
One thing is certain: Lwemiyaga will once again be a battlefield, and Theodore Ssekikubo, as always, will be at the centre of the storm.
But in the growing chorus of doubt and fatigue, the bell seems to toll for him – and this may be the election that rings the end of an era.
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