NRM Halts Campaign Activities in Sembabule Amid Intra-Party Violence

By Faith Barbara N Ruhinda Updated at 1335 EAT on Tuesday 1 July 2025

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) has suspended all campaign activities in Sembabule District following a surge in violence linked to internal party rivalry.

NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi announced the suspension on Monday, citing growing tensions between supporters of incumbent MP Theodore Ssekikubo and retired Brigadier Emmanuel Rwashande, both vying for the party’s flagbearer position.

Campaign activities will remain suspended until further notice, with a resolution expected following a party meeting scheduled for Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. in Kampala.

On June 26, one person was shot dead and MP Theodore Ssekikubo sustained injuries during a confrontation between his supporters and security personnel in Lwemiyaga.

The violence marked a sharp escalation in the ongoing rivalry between Ssekikubo and retired Brigadier Emmanuel Rwashande, both competing for the NRM flagbearer slot.

Despite mediation efforts and increased security presence, both camps continue to trade accusations of inciting violence, recruiting gangs, and manipulating party structures.

Sembabule District has a troubled history of chaotic primary elections, often marked by voter bribery, violence, and widespread concerns over the integrity of the NRM’s internal electoral process.

NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi reaffirmed that all aspirants will be summoned to the meeting in Kampala on Wednesday, stressing that no petitions from Sembabule will be entertained until after the parliamentary primaries on July 16.

He also pointed to the party’s compressed schedule ahead of national nominations for Members of Parliament and LC V chairpersons, set for September 16, 2025, emphasizing the urgent need to restore calm and order.

In an effort to promote unity and consistency in messaging, the NRM has launched joint campaign activities for all flag bearer aspirants nationwide, effectively replacing individual rallies.

Dr. Tanga Odoi stated that the new campaign model is intended to reflect the core values of the NRM manifesto and reduce the risk of further tensions and divisions within the party ranks.

Dr. Odoi added that the party has allocated a budget for the joint campaigns, with funds set to be disbursed through district registrars. He cautioned aspirants against attempting to bribe party officials, warning that such behavior would not be tolerated.

“We are committed to fighting internal corruption and preserving the integrity of the NRM electoral process,” Odoi said.

Dr. Odoi further cautioned NRM members against harassing registrars who have been suspended or are under investigation, emphasizing that all disciplinary matters will be handled through the party’s internal mechanisms.

Meanwhile, registration for positions on the NRM’s Central Executive Committee (CEC) is still underway.

However, the party has yet to elect a district chairperson in Sembabule following a failed attempt during recent internal elections.

The unresolved contest pits Mawogola West MP Hanifah Kawooya against retired Maj. Gen. Phinehas Katirima, a close ally of Brig. Rwashande.

A previous attempt to conduct the vote on May 23, 2025, ended in chaos, marred by violence and deep divisions between supporters of Ssekikubo and Rwashande.

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