Veteran legislator Theodore Ssekikubo has announced his departure from Uganda’s ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), ending more than two decades as one of the party’s most outspoken and rebellious voices.
The Lwemiyaga County MP said he could no longer remain in a political organisation that “does not respect the will of the people”, following a party tribunal’s decision to confirm Brig Gen (Rtd) Emmanuel Rwashande as the NRM flagbearer for the 2026 elections.
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The tribunal dismissed Ssekikubo’s petition, which alleged widespread rigging, intimidation, and forged declaration forms in last month’s primaries. Officials ruled that any irregularities were “minor” and did not affect the outcome, which saw Rwashande declared the winner with 16,358 votes against Ssekikubo’s 8,702.
Ssekikubo, however, described the verdict as a “mockery” and accused the NRM of abandoning its principles. “The so-called ruling is laughable. It shows the party has completely lost direction,” he told reporters.
Longstanding tensions
Known for his fiery independence, Ssekikubo has often clashed with party officials and powerful figures in Sembabule District, even as he remained under the NRM banner. For years, he criticised what he called the “excesses” of his own party, while surviving bruising primary contests and disciplinary battles.
The recent primaries in Lwemiyaga were marred by chaos. Ssekikubo and his allies accused local leaders of allowing non-delegates to vote, while soldiers allegedly blocked some polling stations. He claims declaration forms in his favour were altered or disappeared.
Former transport minister Joy Kabatsi, who also petitioned, said she was prevented from casting her ballot, despite results showing votes in her name. She called the entire exercise “a sham”.
The tribunal, however, insisted that the overall result was not affected.
Next steps
Although Ssekikubo has not publicly declared his next move, allies suggest he could stand as an independent. His grassroots support, built over years of mobilisation, remains strong in Lwemiyaga.
Political analysts warn that his exit may deepen rifts in Sembabule, a district long troubled by NRM infighting. His defiance, they note, has often emboldened other disgruntled cadres within the ruling party.
NRM leaders have urged him to reconsider. Party communications director Emmanuel Ddombo said differences should be resolved internally, describing NRM as “a mass party.”
But Ssekikubo appears resolute. “I am not talking about NRM anymore—I am moving forward,” he said, signaling the end of his nearly 25-year journey under the ruling party’s flag.
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