Tight security in Ssembabule as gunshots rock Butebo

Anti-riot police have deployed in Ssembabule as the district threatens to become the most violent in the ongoing National Resistance Movement (NRM) primary campaigns.

Daily Monitor reporters say there is increased deployment of police following a series of clashes mainly involving Lwemiyaga MP Theodore Ssekikubo. Mr Ssekikubo has clashed at least twice with police and accuses sections of the security service of working with his main political rival in the district, Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Kutesa.

Rumble in Ssembabule
The first clash was on August 2 when a bodyguard to Mr Ssekikubo allegedly shot at Mr Habib Nsamba, said to be an intelligence officer. There have been repeated violent clashes since.

The southern regional police commander, Mr Fred Sekiwere, said police are closely watching the events to avoid clashes among the NRM candidates.

“I have also instructed all the officers in charge of police posts in Ssembabule to be on the look-out and ensure peaceful campaigns ahead of the NRM primary elections slated for August 30,’’ Mr Sekiwere said. At every campaign rally, at least 20 police officers are supposed to guard a candidate.

In Pallisa District, police fired in the air after supporters of Butebo MP and Health Minister Stephen Mallinga and those of his main rival, Mr Richard Oseku, clashed at Kakoro Sub-country headquarters.

Clashes in Pallisa
Whereas the two candidates were meant to hold joint meetings, the rally turned chaotic after supporters of Mr Oseku tried to shout down Mr Mallinga when it was time for him to address the rally.

“We are tired of Mallinga. He should not even talk to us. Let him go away. We don’t want to see him here. What is he talking about? Mr Mallinga should also leave politics for the young generation to take political positions,” Mr Moses Okiria, a supporter of Mr Oseku, shouted.

Supporters of Mr Mallinga unhappy with the attack on their leader, created a fracas that was only quelled after police fired in the air.

Kabarole;Sub-county quest
In Kabarole District debate shifted to issues of creation of more administrative units with residents telling incumbent Woman MP Margaret Muhanga that only the creation of more sub-counties and parishes would ensure they benefit from the government and get better social services.

The issue of creating more administrative units started with districts but has now trickled down to parishes, town councils and sub-counties. Kabarole chairman Michael Mugisa was told by residents of Kigoro Parish in Hakibaale Sub-county that they want a parish.

“I have no problem with the creation of more administrative units provided you demand for them and they are viable,” Mr Mugisa said on August 20.

Isoke abandons rallies
In Kibaale District, a candidate aspiring for the Buyanja County parliamentary seat, Mr Baguma Isoke, has abandoned joint campaigns over allegations of campaign irregularities.

Trouble started when the area MP Matia Kasaija, who is also the Internal Affairs state minister, handed over Shs500,000 to Kezimbira Catholic Church in Mugarama Sub-county as a fulfilment of a pledge that was made by his close ally, Ms Emily Kugonza.

“I cannot continue with the joint campaigns because it is fraught with irregularities of bribery which is contrary to the NRM election guidelines,” Mr Baguma said.