Brigadier General (Rtd) Emmanuel Rwashande has defeated long-serving Member of Parliament Theodore Ssekikubo to become the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer for the hotly contested Lwemiyaga County seat.
According to official results, Rwashande garnered 16,358 votes, while Ssekikubo received 8,702. Other candidates included Joy Kabatsi, who polled 473 votes, and Jacob Kato, with 11 votes.
However, Ssekikubo has rejected the outcome, alleging widespread intimidation, assault, and even abduction of his supporters during the voting process. The two rivals have been at loggerheads throughout the campaign period, with Ssekikubo earlier accusing Rwashande of lacking the minimum qualifications required for nomination.
In a dramatic escalation, Ssekikubo petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Abas Byakagaba, earlier this week, requesting armed protection following a violent incident at a rally on June 26, 2025, in Kirega, Kampala Parish, Lwemiyaga. During the rally, unknown assailants reportedly opened fire, killing his supporter Sembusi Alex, and injuring Ssekikubo and another supporter, Moses Titangana.
Despite the controversy surrounding Lwemiyaga, several political heavyweights have secured victory in the NRM primaries ahead of the 2026 general elections.
These include:Amelia Kyambadde – Mawokota North; David Kabanda – Kasambya County; Stephen Shyaka Gashaija – Entebbe Municipality; Maj Gen Jim Muhwezi – Rujumbura County; Swaibu Ojasi – Iganga Municipality
Rebecca Kadaga – Kamuli Municipality; Jessica Alupo – Katakwi District; Phiona Nyamutoro – Nebbi District; Robinah Nabbanja – Kakumiro District; Matia Kasaija – Buyanja County; Herbert Ariko – Soroti East; Jane Frances Acil – Oyam District; Fred Ruhindi – Nakawa East and Sam Engola – Erute South.
Hanifah Kawooya Bangirina – Mawogola West; Florence Nambaziira – Mawogola District Woman MP; Aine Sodo Kaguta – Mawogola North and Dez Oswald Byuma – Mawogola South.
