Ssembabule NRM Chairperson elections called off amid chaos
State Minister for Genaral Duties, Hanifa Kawooya, with her opponent, retired army officer Phenihas Katrima. Photo by Gertrude Mutyaba
What you need to know:
Despite a heavy security deployment intended to maintain calm, tensions escalated when Minister Kawooya accused Ssembabule District Police Commander (DPC) Living Twazagye of physically assaulting her during the chaos
The National Resistance Movement (NRM) party elections in Ssembabule District were abruptly called off on Thursday following violent clashes and a breakdown in order between rival factions aligned with State Minister for Genaral Duties Hanifa Kawooya and retired army officer Phenihas Katrima.
Despite a heavy security deployment intended to maintain calm, tensions escalated when Minister Kawooya accused Ssembabule District Police Commander (DPC) Living Twazagye of physically assaulting her during the chaos.
The confrontation erupted after police blocked supporters from accessing the polling venue. However, the crowd later overwhelmed security and stormed the grounds, leading to open hostilities.
Earlier in the day, Kawooya and her challenger Katrima were seen exchanging polite greetings, but the mood quickly soured. In an emotional plea, Kawooya begged to retain her position as NRM chairperson, likening the party to her “baby,” noting that she had no biological children of her own. Katrima, however, accused her of clinging to power for over four decades and said it was time for change.
“If I lose, I will not concede defeat,” Kawooya declared defiantly, underscoring the high stakes and deep divisions within the party.
As tensions escalated, NRM Electoral Commission Commissioner James Kinobe contacted party chairperson Dr Tanga Odoi who recommended suspending the election. However, retired army officers, including Gen Emmanuel Rwashande and Katrima, resisted the move, accusing the commission of bias and undue influence.
The election dispute prompted officials to re-examine the voter register, further deepening mistrust. Kawooya and Lwemiyaga County MP Theodore Ssekikubo dismissed the process as fundamentally flawed and unworthy of continuation.
Meanwhile, Katrima rallied his supporters, who formed queues and sang songs in his praise, signaling their readiness to proceed with the vote.
Kawooya later claimed she needed medical attention for injuries allegedly sustained during the earlier scuffle with the DPC. Despite Commissioner Kinobe’s efforts to persuade her to remain at the venue, she left, escorted by cheering supporters.
In another dramatic moment, Ssekikubo and his group confronted Deputy District Registrar Patrick Odong, whom they accused of attempting to seize the voter register. Security personnel intervened, pushing back the group. A visibly frustrated Odong stood his ground, shouting down the protestors and asserting his authority.
With tensions boiling over, Kinobe exited the scene, effectively ending the day’s proceedings.
Later, Gen Rwashande and Katrima addressed supporters, vowing to defend the integrity of the electoral process and the rights of voters in Ssembabule.
“Nothing will drive us away. We are committed to protecting voters’ rights,” said Gen Rwashande.
“We are standing under the law. Our people must be allowed to vote peacefully,” added Katrima.
By evening, supporters from both camps had dispersed peacefully, leaving the elections unresolved and the party’s local leadership in limbo.
