As the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) goes to polls to choose flag bearers for the 2026 general elections, a bitter exchange has ensued between two of the biggest rivals in the Lwemiyaga constituency, Ssembabule district. 

The two heavyweights, the incumbent Theodore Ssekikuubo and his strongest rival, retired Brigadier Emmanuel Rwashande, were caught on camera having a bitter confrontation on polling day, Thursday.

The confrontation unfolded in full view of voters and NRM polling officials at a polling station. “Your intimidation is going to stop. That impunity you have been putting on people is going to stop,” a visibly angry Rwashande told Ssekikuubo to his face. 

Ssekikuubo replied, “You must wake up. You are no longer in the military. You must wake up.” One female polling official requested the two biggest rivals to cease fire, but in vain. 

The exchange of strong words went on before turning into insults.

“You are an idiot. You are just an idiot,” Rwashande told Ssekikubo to his face. 

The confrontation underscores the high stakes of the race to secure the party’s flag ahead of the 2026 general elections.

Violence and bloodshed are not new in Lwemiyaga elections.

During campaigning a few days ago, the party electoral commission chairman, Dr. Tanga, suspended all election-related activities in the constituency after one supporter of Ssekikuubo was killed by the army in what Ssekikuubo said was an attempt on his life by Rwashande.

The deceased was identified as a 25-year-old Fred Ssembusi.

Ssembusi was killed by a bullet fired by UPDF soldiers deployed at Ssekikuubo’s campaign rally by Rwashande.

Ssekikuubo miraculously survived after the bullet hit one of his fingers.

The developments compelled Ssekikuubo to call off his campaigns.

Subsequently, police provided him with security to ensure his safety.

As was the case in the 2021 elections, many people have raised concerns that the NRM elections in Sembabule have again been marred by extreme violence and bloodshed.