Here is the reason why Mawogola North MP Shartsi Musherure withdrew from 2026 NRM Primaries race
In a statement released by her office, Musherure recalled the unfortunate events of the 2021 party primaries, during which the people of Mawogola North were denied their constitutional right to freely choose their leaders.
The Member of Parliament for Mawogola North, Shartsi Kutesa Musherure, has announced her withdrawal from the National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries for the 2026–2031 period. The legislator cited the need to preserve peace, unity, and tranquility in the area as her reasons for stepping aside from the race.
In a statement released by her office, Musherure recalled the unfortunate events of the 2021 party primaries, during which the people of Mawogola North were denied their constitutional right to freely choose their leaders. She expressed deep concern that a repeat of such tensions would undermine the democratic process.
“After a meeting with H.E. the President and Chairman of the NRM party and consultations with my family, I have withdrawn my candidacy for the position of the NRM flag bearer for Mawogola North for the period 2026–2031,” Musherure stated.
She explained that her decision was influenced by four key reasons: her respect for President Yoweri Museveni and the guidance he provides, the need to protect her supporters from threats and intimidation reminiscent of the 2021 primaries, and a desire to safeguard both the unity of the people of Mawogola North and the NRM party.
Expressing gratitude to the president, her constituents, and her campaign team, Musherure said she remains committed to serving the people of Mawogola North until the end of her current term and beyond. “I have rendered selfless service to my people because it is my duty and calling to do so,” she said.
The MP acknowledged the achievements made in her area during her term, including improvements in education, health infrastructure, and transportation. However, she emphasized that the most significant accomplishment has been ensuring unity and tranquility within the area.
To her supporters, Musherure offered a message of deep gratitude. “I owe you a debt of gratitude for your love, sacrifice, and dedication,” she said.
The MP concluded her statement with an assurance that she would continue serving the interests of her constituents and expressed belief that setbacks can pave the way for future success. “I remain ready to serve you. God bless you,” she stated.
It should be recalled that in 2021, Godfrey Aine Kaguta, famously known as Sodo, one of the parliamentary contestants for Mawogola North Constituency, withdrew from the race hours to polling day.
Sodo, a young brother to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, was one of the eight aspirants vying to replace the Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Kahamba Kuteesa, who retired from elective politics before fronting his daughter, Shartsi Mushurure Nayebale Kuteesa, to take up the position.
Sodo told Uganda Radio Network in an interview that his decision to withdraw from the race was reached after a series of meetings with President Museveni, who asked him to step down for his opponent for purposes of building cohesion both within the party and their family.
He said that President Museveni met with campaign teams from the two camps and convinced them to make a truce ahead of the Thursday polls. Sodo is, however, hesitant to divulge details of their meeting.
Sodo and Museherure were standing as independent candidates following the controversy that surrounded the election and results from the National Resistance Movement Party primaries in the area.
While the official NRM Electoral Commission tally results had given Sodo victory, Musherure disputed them on grounds of gross irregularities that included, among others, violence and ferrying in voters, which prompted the NRM elections tribunal to nullify the whole process and withdraw the party flag.
However, Sodo challenged the party’s decision to withdraw his flag by declaring the process a nullity.
