NRM suspends campaign activities in Sembabule over intra-party violence

The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has suspended all political campaign activities in Sembabule district following escalating tension and violence among rival aspirants.

The suspension was announced by NRM Electoral Commission chairperson, Dr Tanga Odoi, who stated that campaign activities will remain on hold until a resolution is reached during a scheduled meeting on Wednesday at 4 pm in Kampala.

The violence stems from a deepening rivalry for the party flagbearer position between MP Theodore Ssekikubo and his main challenger, retired Brig Emmanuel Rwashande.

On June 26, one person was shot dead while Ssekikubo was injured during a confrontation between his supporters and security personnel in Lwemiyaga. The two camps continue to accuse each other of inciting violence, hiring gangs, and manipulating party structures, despite mediation efforts and heightened security.

The district has a history of chaotic primary elections marred by violence, voter bribery, and disputes over the credibility of the party’s electoral process. Dr Odoi emphasized that all aspirants will be invited to the Wednesday meeting, and no petitions related to the district will be entertained until after the parliamentary primaries slated for July 16.

He also cited the tight NRM schedule ahead of national nominations for MPs and LC V chairpersons, set for September 16, 2025, as a key reason for the need to restore calm and order in the district.

To promote unity and consistency in messaging, the NRM has launched joint campaign activities for all flag bearer aspirants across the country, replacing individual rallies. Odoi said the joint campaign model is designed to reflect the core values of the NRM manifesto and to avoid further tensions.

He added that the party has budgeted for these joint campaigns, with funds to be disbursed through district registrars. He warned aspirants against bribing party officials, warning that such conduct would not be tolerated.

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

He further cautioned party members against harassing suspended or investigated registrars, stressing that disciplinary matters would be handled internally.

Meanwhile, registration for central executive committee (CEC) positions is still ongoing. The NRM failed to elect a district chairperson during the recent internal party elections.

The unresolved race pits Mawogola West MP Hanifah Kawooya against retired Maj Gen Phinehas Katirima, a close ally of Brig Rwashande. A previous attempt to elect the district chairperson on May 23, 2025, ended in chaos, marked by violence and deep divisions between the Ssekikubo and Rwashande factions.