The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) has suspended all campaign activities in Ssembabule District following escalating tensions and violent clashes among rival party aspirants.
The decision was announced by the NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi, who said campaigns will remain halted until a resolution is reached during a scheduled meeting in Kampala on Wednesday at 4 p.m.
Ssembabule has emerged as a hotspot for political unrest within the party because of fierce competition among entrenched factions vying for NRM tickets.
Previous party primaries in the district have been marred by violence, voter bribery, and disputes over electoral transparency.
Dr. Odoi emphasized that all aspirants will be summoned to the Wednesday meeting and clarified that no petitions from the district will be entertained until after the parliamentary primaries slated for July 16, 2025.
He pointed to the party’s tight electoral calendar leading up to national nominations for Members of Parliament and LC5 chairpersons set for September 16 as part of the reason for the urgent suspension and mediation effort.
In response to growing tensions nationwide, the NRM has launched joint campaign events for all aspirants across the country in place of individual rallies.
Dr. Odoi said the strategy is aimed at promoting party unity and reinforcing a consistent message rooted in the NRM manifesto. He dismissed concerns that the joint approach could fuel further unrest.
The party has already budgeted for these joint campaigns, he noted, adding that funds will be disbursed through district registrars. He also warned aspirants against attempting to bribe officials, saying such conduct will not be tolerated.
Dr. Odoi reiterated the NRM’s commitment to fighting internal corruption and safeguarding the integrity of its electoral processes.
He further cautioned party members against intimidating or harassing suspended or investigated registrars, stressing that disciplinary matters will be handled through internal mechanisms.
Meanwhile, registration for Central Executive Committee positions is ongoing. Ssembabule remains deeply polarized, with a long history of political violence during party primaries, often driven by entrenched rivalries, allegations of vote rigging, and clashes between supporters.
The latest incident occurred on June 26, 2025, when one person was shot dead and Lwemiyaga County MP Theodore Ssekikubo was injured during a rally.
The violence stemmed from rising tensions between Ssekikubo and his challenger, retired Brigadier Emmanuel Rwashande.
The two camps have accused each other of inciting violence, hiring gangs, and manipulating party structures despite ongoing mediation efforts and increased security presence.
Adding to the district’s political uncertainty, the NRM failed to elect a district chairperson during its recent internal elections.
The contest remains unresolved with Mawogola West MP Hanifah Kawooya facing off against retired Major General Phinehas Katirima, a close ally of Brigadier Rwashande.
An earlier attempt to hold the vote on May 23 ended in chaos with violence erupting between supporters aligned with the rival camps.
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