RUKIGA, UGANDA – The National Resistance Movement (NRM) in Rukiga district has received a major boost following the withdrawal of nearly 17 independent candidates, who were largely party-leaning, from various political races.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The mass withdrawal was confirmed on Saturday, November 15, 2025, after a closed-door meeting convened by the NRM Vice Chairperson for the Western Region, Eng. Jonard Akiiki, at the Satellite Hotel in Muhanga Town Council.
The meeting was part of a broader strategy to consolidate support and prepare for an upcoming visit by the NRM’s presidential candidate, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, to the region.
Prior to the meeting, Eng. Akiiki briefed the press on the party’s commitment to unification through a series of meetings designed to streamline and harmonize campaigns for maximum impact.
“We are set to hold several meetings with the party candidates to streamline and harmonize their campaigns. All preparations are underway to ensure that President Museveni’s visit to the district and the entire region goes smoothly as he garners votes and presents the party flag bearers,” Eng. Akiiki said.
The Rukiga District Woman MP NRM Flag Bearer, Hon. Dr. Sylvia Alinaitwe, described the development as a major relief and a critical step towards securing decisive victories.
She explained that the presence of multiple independent candidates, most of whom originally leaned towards the NRM, had fragmented the party’s support base.
“This development boosts support for the party, relieving the strain of securing seats. Having a number of independents, mostly from the party, divides our supporters, thereby reducing the percentage the party flag bearer might have achieved,” Dr. Sylvia said.
The Rukiga County MP Aspirant, Hon. Kiconco Patrick Katabazi, also emphasized the need for unwavering support for official party candidates and praised the successful mobilization of independents to return to the party.
Hon. Katabazi confirmed the district’s full readiness to host the President, who is the party’s presidential flag bearer, for the NRM campaigns and the official presentation of the party’s candidates.
The LC V Chairperson NRM Flag Bearer for Rukiga district, Hon. Simon Mutebi Rwamagyenda, welcomed the withdrawals, stating that the move prevents internal party conflict and ensures a stronger, unified front for the upcoming elections.
He expressed profound happiness at the independents’ party-loving decision to step down, a gesture that signals a strong chance of the NRM garnering massive support in the upcoming elections.
The withdrawal of these candidates is expected to significantly reduce intra-party competition and consolidate the NRM vote, potentially altering the political landscape in Rukiga district in the party’s favor.
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