Byakagaba beefs up Ssembabule security ahead of troubled NRM primaries

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In a bid to forestall election-related violence, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abbas Byakagaba has ordered the deployment of additional security personnel to Ssembabule district. The order given on July 9, 2025, is ahead of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries scheduled for July 17, 2025.

The directive follows a closed-door meeting between Byakagaba, assistant Inspector General of Police (AIGP) Frank Mwesigwa, the Police Director of Operations and regional Police officers at Rainbow Motel in Ssembabule town council.

Later the same day, IGP Byakagaba convened a security stakeholders’ meeting at the district headquarters with members of the Ssembabule district security committee, including aspiring Members of Parliament and local council candidates. The gathering resolved to intensify joint security operations to curb election violence and criminality.

However, the meeting drew controversy when National Unity Platform (NUP) representatives were barred from attending by District Resident Commissioner Jane Frances Kagayi, who clarified that the session was exclusive to NRM officials and security personnel.

IGP Abbas Byakagaba (left) consults with retired Maj. Gen. Phinehas Katirima after a security meeting in Ssembabule. (Photo by Dismus Buregyeya)

Speaking to journalists after the meetings, IGP Byakagaba announced plans to establish a regional Police command base in the district, complete with logistical support, including 45 motorcycles for improved mobility and communication among security units.

Maj. Gen. (rtd) Phinehas Katirima, a key security advisor, proposed setting up the Police command centre in Lwemiyaga sub-county, identified as a political hotspot.

“We’ve already informed top Police leadership to prioritise Lwemiyaga as a tactical base to prevent election-related criminality,” he said.

Lwemiyaga has been under heightened scrutiny following earlier deployments of Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) troops amid rising tensions between two prominent parliamentary aspirants: incumbent MP Theodore Ssekikubo and Brig. Gen. (rtd) Emmanuel Rwashande.

Tensions boiled over earlier this month when UPDF soldiers clashed with supporters of Ssekikubo at a campaign event, resulting in the death of a 25-year-old civilian, Fred Ssembusi. A soldier, Lt Bashir Zziwa, was detained pending investigations into the incident.

While UPDF spokesperson Felix Kulayigye accused locals of attempting to disarm the army, Byakagaba confirmed that investigations into the shooting are ongoing. This comes after Ssekikubo raised concerns that Zziwa was released without explanation.

Ssekikubo also questioned the necessity of military presence in Lwemiyaga, insisting that the police had not failed in their duties. On the other hand, Rwashande accused Ssekikubo of inciting violence by allegedly hiring thugs from Kawempe to provoke unrest. “It’s Ssekikubo who should be held responsible for Ssembusi’s death,” Rwashande claimed.

Edmond Bwire, another parliamentary candidate in Lwemiyaga, expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation due to the rivalry between the two leaders. He urged voters to exercise caution and make informed choices during the primaries.

As the July 17 polls approach, both law enforcement and military authorities remain on high alert, underscoring the volatile nature of the political climate in Ssembabule.