A deadly shooting broke out at a political rally in Uganda's Sembabule District on Thursday evening. One person died and two others suffered injuries when soldiers opened fire during a campaign event. The violence happened at Kirega Trading Centre during a meeting organized by local MP Theodore Ssekikubo. Supporters of rival candidate Brig Emmanuel Rwashande clashed with Ssekikubo's team over loud music at the venue. Armed soldiers reportedly told Ssekikubo's supporters to leave the area.
The confrontation escalated when supporters refused military orders to vacate the premises. Soldiers shot and killed a man named Ssembusi during the chaos that followed. A stray bullet wounded MP Ssekikubo on his finger and struck another supporter in the head. The two politicians compete for the ruling party nomination ahead of 2026 elections. Police criticized the military response as unnecessary and excessive force.
Sembabule District has experienced repeated political violence over recent years. High-ranking officials support Rwashande's campaign against the current MP. Another violent clash occurred in May when supporters of different candidates fought during a separate primary process. The ruling National Resistance Movement party suspended that election due to the unrest. Multiple candidates seek various positions across the district.
Party leaders have warned supporters to stop the fighting before it damages their reputation further. The ongoing violence threatens to make Sembabule a center of political instability again. Observers fear more clashes as the 2026 general election approaches. The district remains one of Uganda's most politically volatile areas. Previous incidents have marked the region's troubled electoral history.
The confrontation escalated when supporters refused military orders to vacate the premises. Soldiers shot and killed a man named Ssembusi during the chaos that followed. A stray bullet wounded MP Ssekikubo on his finger and struck another supporter in the head. The two politicians compete for the ruling party nomination ahead of 2026 elections. Police criticized the military response as unnecessary and excessive force.
Sembabule District has experienced repeated political violence over recent years. High-ranking officials support Rwashande's campaign against the current MP. Another violent clash occurred in May when supporters of different candidates fought during a separate primary process. The ruling National Resistance Movement party suspended that election due to the unrest. Multiple candidates seek various positions across the district.
Party leaders have warned supporters to stop the fighting before it damages their reputation further. The ongoing violence threatens to make Sembabule a center of political instability again. Observers fear more clashes as the 2026 general election approaches. The district remains one of Uganda's most politically volatile areas. Previous incidents have marked the region's troubled electoral history.
