MUBENDE – Tensions have escalated between two National Resistance Movement (NRM) Members of Parliament (MPs) from Mubende District, with Kassambya MP David Kabanda accusing Mubende Municipality MP Hajj Bashir Lubega Ssempa of attempting to undermine him during a political talk show.
The feud erupted when Kabanda, during a consultative meeting at Nabingola Health Center III about the Parish Development Model fund, confronted his constituents about what he described as Ssempa’s efforts to "decampaign" him.
Kabanda claimed he had been informed that Ssempa had been speaking negatively about him on Point FM’s political talk show, Ensoonga.
“I have been informed that the Mubende Municipality MP is on radio decampaigning me, not knowing that I have a solid ground,” Kabanda told his supporters.
He confidently asserted, “I bet Ssempa cannot get the same voter turnout as I have today because I know he is rotten and cannot address such a crowd.”
Kabanda further alleged that Ssempa, who had failed to deliver on his promises in the municipality, was now attempting to make a comeback in his constituency.
“It’s high time for him to reap what he sowed,” he remarked, hinting that he had gained the trust of his constituents for the upcoming 2026 elections.
He accused Ssempa of being driven by jealousy due to his success in Kassambya.
In a video widely shared on social media, Ssempa responded with sharp words, asserting his readiness to confront Kabanda directly.
“I’m not a boy; I am a man, and I cannot tarnish you because you are already rotten,” Ssempa said, stressing that Kabanda could not underestimate him.
Ssempa also voiced his displeasure at Kabanda’s alleged attempt to dominate the political scene in Mubende.
“If he thinks he will be the only bull in Mubende and decide to intimidate everyone, it’s now time we go bare-knuckles,” Ssempa declared, challenging Kabanda to a public face-off.
Background of the Rivalry
The clash between the two MPs is not entirely new. They were once allies during the 2021 NRM primaries, alongside Mubende District Chairperson Michael Muhereza Ntambi, and were collectively referred to as "BAMUDA" (Bashir, Muhereza, and David) by local residents.
At the time, they promoted unity, vowing to work together to address the challenges of Mubende District.
However, their relationship has soured, and this latest public dispute highlights the deepening political rift.
In March 2022, Kabanda issued a strong warning on social media, comparing his political opponents in Mubende to Ukraine, claiming they mobilized proxies to fight their battles.
Kabanda stated, “Be assured that I am like Russia; I will hit you so hard that none of your proxies will have the energy to raise their heads in your defense.”
The ongoing tensions between the two MPs have sparked speculation about the future of their political careers and the impact on NRM’s influence in Mubende District.