NRM Primaries Marred by Violence: A Deepening Crisis in Sembabule and Beyond

Uganda Today: NRM Primaries Marred by Violence: A Deepening Crisis in Sembabule and Beyond

By Uganda Today Political Desk, July 2025

The ruling National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) recently concluded parliamentary primary elections, staged ahead of the 2026 general polls, have been severely tarnished by recurring violence—particularly in Sembabule District’s Lwemiyaga and Mawogola West constituencies. What was meant to be a demonstration of internal democratic consolidation has instead spiraled into chaos, deaths, and allegations of state complicity.

Lwemiyaga: A Flashpoint of Violence

The Rwashande–Ssekikubo Rivalry

The rivalry between incumbent MP Theodore Ssekikubo and his challenger, retired Brigadier Emmanuel Rwashande, dominated the fallout. On June 26, 2025, a campaign rally at Kirega Trading Centre erupted into deadly confrontation: Fred Ssembuusi, a 25-year-old supporter of Ssekikubo, was shot dead by soldiers, while Ssekikubo himself sustained a bullet wound to his hand and a rival supporter was shot in the head Wikipedia+12Monitor+12Monitor+12. The violence reportedly unfolded when Ssekikubo’s camp requested that loud music be reduced to allow him to speak. Soldiers, allegedly attached to Rwashande’s security detail, moved in and opened fire when supporters resisted ChimpReports+1Monitor+1. In immediate response to the tragedy, Ssekikubo suspended all campaign rallies, citing lack of guaranteed security for his supporters Monitor.

This incident is part of a broader pattern of disturbance stretching back to early May, when village-level NRM internal elections were repeatedly disrupted by armed supporters—some allegedly equipped by Rwashande—with clubs, sticks, and the visible presence of soldiers Wikipedia+12Monitor+12Monitor+12. The fractious dynamic was so severe that on May 9, a peace agreement mediated by the RDC collapsed, as clashes continued in the 133 villages of Lwemiyaga constituency Monitor+8Monitor+8Monitor+8.

Escalation of State-Sponsored Violence

Far beyond mere factional clashes, the violence suggested state-sanctioned interference. UPDF soldiers—traditionally barred from partisan political activities—were deeply implicated in the disruptions. Following the fatal shooting, party and local leaders demanded accountability as the military’s role in internal party politics came under intense scrutiny Monitor.

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Sembabule District: Systemic Dysfunction

Sembabule’s challenges go beyond the Lwemiyaga battleground. Earlier in May, elections for the NRM district chairperson at Sembabule District playground collapsed into chaos due to disputes over delegate registers and alleged falsification of party materials (“yellow books”) Wikipedia+13Monitor+13Monitor+13. One registrar, Fred Bogere Matovu, was suspended after being found hiding falsified documents, and seven villages were identified where booked results could not be verified or elections were aborted entirely Monitor+1Monitor+1.

On May 23, violence erupted during the district-level election, prompting Gen. Phinehas Katirima to prematurely declare victory amid claims of manipulated registers and irregular delegate lists allAfrica.com+2Monitor+2The Observer+2. At another polling venue in Ntuusi Town Council, the Resident District Commissioner was physically assaulted, grabbed by the neck, as she attempted to halt fraud-tainted proceedings Monitor+2Monitor+2Monitor+2.

Wider Violent Incidents in Other Districts

While countrywide primaries were in some areas deemed “largely peaceful,” law enforcement reported three confirmed fatalities and over 90 arrests tied to election violence nationwide The Observer. Incidents included armed interference with grenades in Isingiro South, a fatal security operation in Kamuli, and revelations of groups allegedly hired to disrupt proceedings in Dokolo South and Iganga The Observer. In Lwengo District, supporters of rival candidates clashed violently over a rally, with one person seriously injured after being struck by a campaign vehicle while others were attacked with sticks and stones allAfrica.com+6Monitor+6Monitor+6.

Why It Matters: Implications for NRM and Uganda’s Democracy

• Erosion of Credibility: The consistent reports of vote-rigging, falsified registers, and partisan security interventions undermine faith in NRM’s internal electoral integrity.

• Deepened Factionalism: The entrenched rivalry between major aspirants perpetuates division within the party, deterring mediation and consensus.

• Militarization of Politics: The increasing presence of UPDF in political activities raises serious concerns about the militarization of civilian democratic processes.

• Potential Spillover: Sembabule’s violence serves as a microcosm of risk. If left unchecked, similar patterns may reverberate across the national elections in 2026.

NRM’s Response: Suspension, Control, and Joint Campaigns

In response to escalating hostilities, NRM’s Electoral Commission, led by Dr Tanga Odoi, announced suspension of campaign activities in Sembabule until a resolution meeting in Kampala could convene Wikipedia+12The Observer+12Monitor+12Monitor+1allAfrica.com+1. The party introduced joint campaign rallies nationwide to diminish tensions spurred by individual flagbearer campaigns. Odoi warned against bribery and interference by corrupt registrars, pledging disciplinary action and internal accountability mechanisms The Observer.

The Inspector General of Police, Abbas Byakagaba, also took measures to boost security coverage: Sembabule was designated a new policing region, and more officers were deployed to oversee elections and preempt further violence The Observer+2Monitor+2allAfrica.com+2.

Conclusion

The 2025 NRM internal primaries have exposed troubling fissures within Uganda’s ruling party. From violent suppression in Lwemiyaga, through chaotic voter processes in Sembabule, to fatal incidents across constituencies, the integrity of the NRM’s electoral procedures—and by extension Uganda’s democratic trajectory—stands severely compromised.

As the 2026 general elections draw nearer, the party faces a critical test: can it contain intra-party violence, ensure fair competition, and decouple security forces from political rivalry? The decisions made now will shape not only internal cohesion, but the broader legitimacy of Uganda’s democratic future.

• #NRMPrimaries2025

• #UgandaDecides2026

• #LwemiyagaViolence

• #SsekikuboVsRwashande

• #SembabuleUnrest

• #NRMViolence

• #JusticeForSsembuusi

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