SEMBABULE. Maverick Lwemiyaga County legislator Theodore Ssekikubo has announced his exit from the Buganda NRM Parliamentary Caucus, accusing its leadership of betrayal and siding with his rival Rtd Brig. Emmanuel Rwashande.
“I am done with the NRM Parliamentary Caucus. They have betrayed me, and I will not continue to be part of a group that does not value its members,” Ssekikubo said. He warned that Rwashande would face a challenging race given the circumstances.
The legislator also demanded a refund of all monthly contributions of sh150,000 deducted from his salary for the Buganda NRM Parliamentary Caucus for the last 25 years he has been in Parliament amounting to Shs45m . However, Caucus Chairperson and Buvuma County legislator Robert Migadde dismissed the request, stating, “The Caucus will not refund Ssekikubo’s subscription.”
This comes a day after NRM MPs under the Buganda for Museveni pressure group staged a rally in Ntuusi Town Council, Sembabule District and backed Rwashande’s bid to unseat Ssekikubo in the January polls . Rwashande defeated Ssekikubo in the July NRM primaries, but the latter rejected the results saying the election was marred by widespread irregularities and intimidation of voters by soldiers .
Ssekikubo further revealed security concerns, alleging that a lieutenant, Bashir Zziwa, an operative attached to Rwashande’s security team attempted to set up a roadblock after his nomination last Thursday , putting hundreds of his supporters at risk. “My life is in danger,” he said, calling for protection.
Analysts say Ssekikubo’s grassroots support and reputation as a vocal advocate for constituents could give him an advantage in the upcoming elections where he is standing an independent candidate .
NRM leaders have urged him to reconsider, emphasising party unity. Ssekikubo, however, remains firm, insisting that he must prioritise the interests of his constituents over party loyalty.
Political observers note that Ssekikubo’s exit could have significant implications for the party’s dynamics in Parliament, potentially weakening NRM’s numbers and influence while encouraging other disaffected members to rethink their affiliation.