Why MP aspirant Nina Rose Kankunda has suspended Ssembabule campaigns
The artiste turned politician’s decision follows her father Matia Nshemereire's arrest over a cattle theft case in Rutunku, Lugusulu sub-county, an area bordering President Museveni’s farm at Kisozi in neighbouring Gomba district.
Nina Rose Kakunda, the NUP flag bearer for Ssembabule district woman Parliamentary candidate, with her relatives at Ssembabule CPS, where her father, Matia Shemereire, was arrested in connection with cattle thefts. (Photo by Dismus Buregyeya)
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Barely 12 hours after Member of Parliament campaigns officially kicking off across the country, Ssembabule District Woman Parliamentary candidate Nina Rose Kankunda (NUP) says she has suspended her campaigns.
The artiste turned politician’s decision follows her father Matia Nshemereire's arrest over a cattle theft case in Rutunku, Lugusulu sub-county, an area bordering President Museveni’s farm at Kisozi in neighbouring Gomba district.
Nshemereire was detained on November 9, 2025, following an investigation into cattle theft. Area Police spokesperson Twaha Kasirye confirmed that one of the suspects arrested earlier, Nyamuhanga, implicated Nshemereire as a key accomplice in the thefts.
“One of the suspects arrested with stolen cattle revealed Nshemereire as the prime suspect behind the cattle thefts in the area,” Kasirye stated.
Nina Rose Kakunda, the NUP flag bearer for Ssembabule district woman Parliamentary candidate, with her relatives at Ssembabule CPS, where her father, Matia Shemereire, was arrested in connection with cattle thefts. (Photo by Dismus Buregyeya)
However, he clarified that the stolen cow was not from President Museveni’s farm, explaining that thieves had breached the fence to use the route as a shortcut.
Kankunda, whose moniker is Nina Rose and known for songs, including "Like I Do", "Take It All ft. K Soul", denied her father’s involvement, calling the case politically motivated.
“My father is just framed up. This case is political. The CCTV at the President’s farm should be used to bring out the truth,” she told the media on November 10.
The suspended campaigns were initially scheduled to start from Lwemiyaga County, but the artiste instead camped outside the Ssembabule Central Police Station with her beddings.
Nina Rose faces competition from National Resistance Movement (NRM) party flag-bearer Florence Nambazira and outgoing Independent MP Mary Begumisa for the MP seat.
Ssembabule NRM chairperson Gen. Phinehas Katirima warned that NRM-leaning independent candidates could undermine party candidates’ chances, emphasising the need for unity.