Why Lwemiyaga Voters Turned Against Ssekikubo After Two Decades

Brigadier General (Rtd) Emmanuel Rwashande has unseated long-serving MP Theodore Ssekikubo to win the NRM party flag for Lwemiyaga County ahead of the 2026 general elections.The official results, announced early morning on July 18, confirmed Rwashande’s landslide victory with 16,358 votes against Ssekikubo’s 8,702. Former Minister Joy Kabatsi came in third with 473 votes, while Jacob Kato trailed at 11.

This outcome ends Ssekikubo’s 20-year grip on Lwemiyaga politics and marks a significant realignment in the region’s political leadership.

Ssekikubo has been known for his outspoken nature, independence, and frequent clashes with both district and national NRM leadership. His combative approach often isolated him within the party, and that tension may have contributed to his downfall.

Brig. Gen. Rwashande, who previously served as Director of Veteran Affairs at the Ministry of Defence, retired in 2022 and entered politics with a message of unity and reform.

With strong grassroots support and subtle backing from key NRM figures, Rwashande campaigned on restoring party harmony and accelerating service delivery to the people.

The race was marked by heightened rivalry, tension over voter registers, and accusations of intimidation, especially in the lead-up to the primaries.

In his victory speech, Rwashande called on all party members to unite and focus on delivering Lwemiyaga’s development. “The people have spoken. It’s now time to work together,” he said.

Elsewhere in Sembabule, Hanifah Kawooya, Florence Nambaziira, Aine Sodo Kaguta, and Dez Oswald Byuma also secured NRM flags, signaling a broader political shift in the district