How Did It Happen?? Despite Ssekikubo Having Long Lines, Rwashande Emerges Winner In Lwemiyaga NRM Primaries

Lwemiyaga County has been rocked by a major political upset after Brigadier General (Rtd) Emmanuel Rwashande defeated long-serving Member of Parliament Theodore Ssekikubo in the recently concluded National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries.

Rwashande secured a decisive victory with 16,358 votes — 54.3% of the total — while Ssekikubo garnered just 8,702. The result has left many residents and observers stunned, particularly given the long queues and vocal support that Ssekikubo appeared to enjoy at several polling stations on election day.

For Ssekikubo, who has represented the constituency for 20 years and was considered deeply rooted in local grassroots politics, the loss was unexpected. According to sources close to his camp, the veteran legislator was left bewildered, reportedly asking: “How did this happen?”

Across the constituency, voters and analysts alike are questioning the discrepancy between the visible enthusiasm for Ssekikubo and the final tally. While some attribute the outcome to possible overconfidence in his camp, others suspect deeper dynamics were at play behind the scenes.

Brig. Gen. Rwashande, who retired from the army in 2022, ran a strategic campaign centered on themes of unity, renewed leadership, and improved public service delivery. Though less high-profile in his approach, he was quietly supported by influential figures within the NRM and ran an efficiently organized ground game that steadily gained traction.

His win has sparked a broader conversation about whether visible support at polling stations reliably translates into votes — or whether the political landscape in Sembabule District is undergoing a significant transformation.

Beyond ending Ssekikubo’s two-decade tenure, Rwashande’s victory may signal a shift in voter priorities and expectations in Lwemiyaga. As the political dust settles, one conclusion stands out: change has arrived, and in politics, appearances on election day don’t always predict the outcome.