Sembabule – A heated standoff erupted in Sembabule District this morning after Lwemiyaga County Member of Parliament Theodore Ssekikubo attempted to halt the reading of the voter register during the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party’s district chairperson elections.
The incident took place at Sembabule playground, where delegates had gathered to hear the register ahead of voting.
Ssekikubo accused the organisers of illegally including delegates from Meeru Parish, an area he claims is not part of the electoral zone for the ongoing polls.
“This is a violation of the party’s electoral guidelines. Including non-electoral areas in the register is a clear manipulation of the process and undermines transparency,” Ssekikubo said.
According to eyewitnesses, the legislator’s attempt to disrupt the process prompted a swift response from security officers, who surrounded the reading area to prevent further interruptions.
No arrests were made, but the atmosphere remained tense as delegates proceeded with the meeting under close watch.
Ssekikubo insisted that allowing delegates from non-recognised areas sets a dangerous precedent that could erode confidence in the party’s internal democracy. He warned that such practices risk fuelling divisions and discontent among NRM members.
Party officials in charge of the exercise did not comment directly on the allegations but urged all participants to respect the process and raise grievances through official channels.
Sembabule District NRM chairperson race has attracted two high-profile candidates: State Minister for Health (General Duties) Anifa Kawooya and retired army officer Phenihas Katirima. The contest is being closely watched due to the district’s political influence within the party and its history of high-stakes local elections.
Security personnel maintained a strong presence throughout the day, citing the need to prevent disruptions and ensure the safety of delegates.
The election results are expected later today, with analysts predicting a tight race between the two contenders.
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