Spare Me from This Rubbish —Rwashande Explodes After Being Grouped with Old Generals Eyeing MP Seat

Retired Brigadier General Emmanuel Rwashande has reacted furiously after being listed among elderly National Resistance Movement (NRM) politicians seeking parliamentary seats. The backlash came after renowned Ugandan cartoonist and columnist Jim Spire Ssentongo made a social media post naming Rwashande alongside other aging political aspirants.The online drama began when former intelligence chief General David Sejusa responded to a post by Ssentongo, who was commenting on the recent announcement by 80-year-old Ephraim Kamuntu declaring his bid to run for Parliament. Sejusa responded, “Why pick on him? They are many of them!”

In reply, Ssentongo stated, “We’ve just started sir… Moses Ali, Kasaija, Rwashande… who else?”

This response drew sharp criticism from Brig Gen Rwashande, who quickly fired back, saying, “Hello, could you please spare my name from your rubbish?”

His outburst has since gone viral, triggering mixed reactions online. While some netizens supported Ssentongo’s criticism of elderly politicians clinging to power, others defended Rwashande, arguing that his military record and desire to serve his community deserve respect.

Rwashande officially retired from the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in April 2024. Shortly afterward, he announced his intention to enter politics. He is currently vying for the Lwemiyaga parliamentary seat, which is presently held by long-serving MP Theodore Ssekikubo.

Launching his campaign at his home in Ntuusi, Sembabule District, Rwashande expressed frustration with the current leadership. He pledged to bring tangible development to the constituency, accusing Ssekikubo of presiding over 25 years of unfulfilled promises and underdevelopment.

“I’m here to serve the people and bring the change they have waited too long for,” Rwashande said during the event.

He called on the residents of Lwemiyaga to rally behind him, stressing that the community has suffered neglect and deserves better representation in Parliament.

Rwashande is among several retired military officers seeking elective office. Other notable figures include veteran politician Gen Moses Ali, whose continued participation in politics has sparked national debate over the aging political class and their unwillingness to retire from public roles