A cloud of tension and disbelief hung over Mukono Town on Monday as Mubarak Sekikubo, the Nakisunga Sub-county Chairperson and aspiring Mukono South MP, was led from the dock to a waiting prison van after being remanded to Kauga Government Prison.

Sekikubo, a well-known local leader and once loyal member of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), now an independent candidate, faces accusations that he extorted Shs 38 million from Dr. George William Mukisa, a job seeker who hoped to secure employment in the Mukono District Local Government.

Prosecutors allege that between January and June 2025, Sekikubo and his co-accused Ronald Mugerwa, Dr. Saad Wataba, and others still on the run — obtained the money under the pretext of helping Dr. Mukisa get appointed as a medical officer through the District Service Commission.

The courtroom fell silent as Grade One Magistrate Gerald Emong read out the charges. Sekikubo stood tall in the dock, occasionally shaking his head. When asked to respond, he firmly denied any wrongdoing.
“I am innocent. These accusations are politically motivated, meant to tarnish my name and destroy my campaign,” he told the court, his voice steady but laced with frustration.

Magistrate Emong, however, declined to grant him bail, ruling that investigations were still ongoing. He ordered Sekikubo to be remanded until November 4, 2025, when the case will return for mention.

According to the prosecution, Sekikubo had been on the run for several weeks before being arrested shortly after his nomination to contest for the Mukono South parliamentary seat. His co-accused Mugerwa is already in custody, while Dr. Wataba, who serves as Acting Lugazi Municipal Medical Officer, remains at large.

Outside the courtroom, emotions ran high. Supporters carrying placards accused authorities of political persecution. “They want to silence our candidate because he refused to bow to the district leadership,” shouted Irene Nanfuka, one of the protestors.

Officials from the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) confirmed that the arrests followed a July 7, 2025 complaint from a whistleblower about job selling within the Mukono District Service Commission.

As the prison truck drove away, chants of “Free Sekikubo!” echoed through the courthouse yard a reflection of how corruption, politics, and ambition have once again collided in Uganda’s charged electoral season.