Guns and Ballots: Lwemiyaga NRM Rivals Unite Against Army Presence

Three leading NRM parliamentary hopefuls in Lwemiyaga County have condemned the deployment of soldiers in the ongoing primary campaigns.Theodore Ssekikubo, Joy Kabatsi, and Edmond Bwire expressed concern over the military’s presence, citing voter intimidation and disruption of peaceful campaigning.

Their outcry follows the alleged fatal shooting of Ssembuuzi Fred, which has intensified scrutiny on the use of armed forces during political contests.

Kabatsi criticized the militarization of elections, warning that soldiers at polling centers undermine democratic values and public trust.

Ssekikubo echoed the sentiment, saying the involvement of security forces risks compromising the fairness of the electoral process.

Bwire called for an open and fear-free environment, emphasizing that electoral participation should never be controlled by intimidation or violence.

The rare unity among rivals highlights the gravity of the situation, with all three demanding immediate withdrawal of soldiers from political grounds.

Retired Brigadier Emmanuel Rwashande, also in the race, defended the army’s presence as necessary for security, further deepening the debate.

The events in Lwemiyaga have triggered national debate on the role of the military in elections, with wider implications for Uganda’s 2026 political climate