Two injured in MP Ssekikubo welcome procession

By Dismus Buregyeya

Two people were rushed to Ntusi health centre in critical condition after they were knocked by a speeding bodaboda procession during the welcome event for the Lwemiyaga constituency in Ssembabule, Theodore Ssekikubo back into the NRM party.

The accident occurred last Friday at Kurama village at about 1.00pm. The victims have been identified as James Katuma and Joseph Lule.

The two had been crossing the road demanding for Ssekikubo posters.

The dramatic welcome party turned rowdy in Ntusi Trading Centre when a group of about 50 bodaboda operators incited the residents to turn against Ssekikubo.

Ssekikubo is carried shoulder high by supporters during his celebrations to mark his return to the NRM. Photo/Dismus Buregyeya

They were joined by cab drivers protesting against the fuel allowance provided by Ssekikubo to participate in the procession.

Ssekikubo set a fee of sh40,000 for each bodaboda while they demanded sh60,000.

The cab drivers team on the other hand demanded for sh150,000, a fee that Ssekikubo said was too high for him.

Hanifa Kawoya too joined the celebrations with fans wildly leaping onto her vehicle in Ntusi trading centre

The residents picked posters of the rival aspiring candidate for the Lwemiyaga Parliamentary seat, Andrew Natukunda and expressed their support to him.

Business came to a standstill when Ssekikubo returned to the Ntusi Trading centre to counter the group which had turned against him.

He addressed the residents in the middle of the road where he attacked those opposed to him saying he was not moved by the money misunderstanding.

He said he had won many battles in his political career; was very powerful and that his return to the NRM party would strengthen President Museveni and the party. He said he was going to resume his fight against injustices in the NRM party.

He warned corrupt authorities in the NRM government that he was back to torment them.

While addressing the people the district woman MP, Hajat Hanifa Kawoya stormed the gathering with pomp, dancing and singing NRM slogans.

Ssekikubo, in a surprise move, asked the people to support Kawoya. The vocal legislator will face his arch rival, Patrick Nkalubo in the NRM party primaries.

Nkalubo is supported by the wealthy Foreign Affairs Minister, Sam Kutesa.

Nkalubo' supporters protested against the decision to allow Ssekikubo to return in the NRM party on grounds that he is indisciplined.