One shot dead, MP Ssekikubo injured at Lwemiyaga campaign rally

At least one person was shot dead and MP Theodore Ssekikubo was injured on Thursday in Sembabule district during violent clashes between security forces and supporters of the Lwemiyaga County legislator.

The deceased, identified as Fred Ssembuusi, a resident of Ntyazo village in Lwemiyaga sub-county, was shot in the chest and died instantly during the confrontation at Kireega village, Kampala parish.

The violence erupted as Ssekikubo launched his campaign to retain the NRM party flag ahead of the 2026 elections. Eyewitnesses say the chaos began when a group of armed soldiers aboard a military truck stormed the rally, ordered the crowd to disperse, and tried to break up the gathering.

Joram Tumwesigye, a supporter who witnessed the incident, said the soldiers, some wielding guns and sticks confronted the supporters after failing to intercept the procession earlier at Bugologolo village.

He said security personnel arrived at the rally and ordered Ssekikubo’s supporters to leave and when the supporters protested and shouted at them, the soldiers reportedly advanced and then opened fire.

Tumwesigye claims the bullets were aimed at Ssekikubo but struck Ssembuusi, who was standing close to the MP. Ssekikubo reportedly sustained a gunshot wound to his hand during the fracas. Geoffrey Bwajojo, another supporter, claimed the soldiers had earlier attempted to block their procession and later followed them to the rally before opening fire and fleeing the scene.

In the aftermath, Ssekikubo accused retired Brig Gen Emmanuel Rwashande his rival in the NRM primaries of orchestrating the attack. He alleged that Rwashande has repeatedly used armed personnel to intimidate his supporters.

However, Rwashande declined to comment on the incident or the allegations made against him. Sembabule resident district commissioner Jane Francis Kagaayi confirmed that investigations into the incident are underway.

She urged all political aspirants to maintain peace and encourage their supporters to act responsibly during the campaign period.