Maverick outgoing Lwemiyaga County MP Theodore Ssekikubo has bid farewell to Parliament’s Defence Committee, which he has served on for four consecutive terms.
During his departure, Ssekikubo delivered an emotional and sharply critical account of his experiences during the recent January 15 General Election , accusing police leadership of failing to protect him and his supporters.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the team I have worked with on this Defence Committee. I have been at the front seat fighting for police budgets regardless of other factors, but I would like to tell you that people of Lwemiyaga did not vote,” he said.
He alleged that violence and intimidation marred the electoral process in his constituency and others, claiming that armed groups targeted his property and supporters.
“The same thing took place in Hon. Namugga’s constituency. Goons raided my farm and when I moved to Lwemiyaga, I found one Lt. Bashir Zziwa inside my kraal, and he is the one who participated in the death of one of my voters. Why is police treating people selectively?” Ssekikubo asked.
He added that his farm was vandalised during the attacks and over 40 animals stolen . “On that fateful day, they vandalised my farm, but I am glad I am still alive. These people are on the rampage as if there is a total breakdown of law and order,” he said.
An emotional Ssekikubo, speaking in the presence of Internal Affairs Minister Kahinda Otafiire, State Minister David Muhoozi, and Inspector General of Police Abas Byakagaba, also criticised the withdrawal of his security detail at a critical moment.
“On the eve of elections, I spent the whole day at the IGP’s office and he kept me waiting. I had to seek protection from police and finally the IGP told me to go and see the RPC Southwest, who referred me to the DPC Ssembabule. They assigned me two police officers who were withdrawn the following day,” he said.
“On the day of elections, I was almost shot during one of the scuffles, but thank God I am still alive.”
In response, IGP Byakagaba apologised to Ssekikubo, citing the pressures of managing nationwide security operations during the election period.
“I am clearly aware, being human, you cannot manage this office perfectly. If there is anybody who can manage to meet all the people who have concerns, I pray to get that ability. Otherwise, I apologise to Hon. Theodore Ssekikubo,” he said.
Throughout his tenure on the Defence Committee, Ssekikubo has been an outspoken critic of alleged human rights violations by security operatives and has consistently raised concerns over Uganda’s military deployments in Somalia, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Ssekikubo lost the Lwemiyaga seat to retired Brig . Emmanuel Rwashande in a bruising election that was marred by constant clashes between the rival parties.
Ssekikubo accuses Police of failing to protect him during electoral period
PARLIAMENT. Maverick outgoing Lwemiyaga County MP Theodore Ssekikubo has bid farewell to Parliament’s Defence Committee, which he has served on for four consecutive terms.
During his departure, Ssekikubo delivered an emotional and sharply critical account of his experiences during the recent January 15 General Election , accusing police leadership of failing to protect him and his supporters.
“I would like to express my gratitude to the team I have worked with on this Defence Committee. I have been at the front seat fighting for police budgets regardless of other factors, but I would like to tell you that people of Lwemiyaga did not vote,” he said.
He alleged that violence and intimidation marred the electoral process in his constituency and others, claiming that armed groups targeted his property and supporters.
“The same thing took place in Hon. Namugga’s constituency. Goons raided my farm and when I moved to Lwemiyaga, I found one Lt. Bashir Zziwa inside my kraal, and he is the one who participated in the death of one of my voters. Why is police treating people selectively?” Ssekikubo asked.
He added that his farm was vandalised during the attacks and over 40 animals stolen . “On that fateful day, they vandalised my farm, but I am glad I am still alive. These people are on the rampage as if there is a total breakdown of law and order,” he said.
An emotional Ssekikubo, speaking in the presence of Internal Affairs Minister Kahinda Otafiire, State Minister David Muhoozi, and Inspector General of Police Abas Byakagaba, also criticised the withdrawal of his security detail at a critical moment.
“On the eve of elections, I spent the whole day at the IGP’s office and he kept me waiting. I had to seek protection from police and finally the IGP told me to go and see the RPC Southwest, who referred me to the DPC Ssembabule. They assigned me two police officers who were withdrawn the following day,” he said.
“On the day of elections, I was almost shot during one of the scuffles, but thank God I am still alive.”
In response, IGP Byakagaba apologised to Ssekikubo, citing the pressures of managing nationwide security operations during the election period.
“I am clearly aware, being human, you cannot manage this office perfectly. If there is anybody who can manage to meet all the people who have concerns, I pray to get that ability. Otherwise, I apologise to Hon. Theodore Ssekikubo,” he said.
Throughout his tenure on the Defence Committee, Ssekikubo has been an outspoken critic of alleged human rights violations by security operatives and has consistently raised concerns over Uganda’s military deployments in Somalia, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Ssekikubo lost the Lwemiyaga seat to retired Brig . Emmanuel Rwashande in a bruising election that was marred by constant clashes between the rival parties.
