Mawogola North Member of Parliament in Sembabule District, Shartsi Kutesa Musherure, has officially withdrawn her candidature from the upcoming National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries, citing respect for President Yoweri Museveni and a desire to preserve party unity.
In a statement released on Sunday, Musherure announced her decision to pull out of the race for the NRM flag bearer for the 2026–2031 term.
“I regret to inform you that I have withdrawn my candidature for the following reasons,” she wrote. “Out of respect for the President, my elder and leader, his guidance, and to avoid subjecting our supporters to the threats, brutality, and insecurity witnessed in the 2021 primaries. I wish to safeguard the unity of our people and of the NRM party.”
Her withdrawal comes shortly after the formal nomination of President Museveni’s younger brother, Aine Kaguta Sodo, who confirmed that he consulted the President and received his blessing to contest.
“I talked to President Museveni and he agreed. He knows I am going to contest in Mawogola North,” Sodo said after being nominated by NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson, Dr. Tanga Odoi.
Sodo and Musherure previously clashed in the 2021 primaries in what was one of the most violent intra-party contests that year. The dispute was resolved after State House intervention, with Sodo stepping aside under the understanding he would contest in the next cycle.
Musherure’s fresh bid reportedly caught Sodo by surprise. “I am disappointed,” he said. “We had an agreement, and everyone who was present at that meeting knows it.”
In her farewell message, Musherure, daughter of former Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Kutesa, thanked her constituents and campaign team, highlighting achievements during her tenure such as improved roads, healthcare, and education services.
“I owe you a debt of gratitude for your love, sacrifice, and dedication,” she wrote. “This decision was not easy, and I know it brings disappointment. But I believe it is from the ashes of such setbacks that the seeds of future success are sown.”
With Musherure’s exit, Sodo now emerges as the front-runner in the upcoming primaries, bolstered by grassroots support and presidential endorsement.
The NRM party primaries are scheduled for July 16.
