The incumbent Member of Parliament for Isingiro South Constituency, Hon. Alex Byarugaba Bakunda, has withdrawn from the 2026 parliamentary race just days before nominations by the Electoral Commission.
Bakunda announced his decision on Sunday during a reconciliation meeting with the NRM flag bearer, Mari Asensio. The meeting was chaired by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, on behalf of NRM Party Chairman, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, in Mbarara District.
Also in attendance were the NRM Vice Chairperson for Western Uganda, Eng. Jonard Asiimwe; Lt. (Rtd.) Moses Mushabe, Chairperson of the NRM Veterans League and NRM Chairman for Isingiro; as well as other district leaders.
According to Deputy Speaker Tayebwa, tensions had remained unresolved following the NRM primaries in Isingiro South. However, both parties agreed to bury their differences and work together.
“I am very happy that all the issues have been resolved. As a result, Hon. Bakunda has agreed to back the party flag bearer in the forthcoming parliamentary elections,” Tayebwa said. “This is a positive development that puts us, as a party, in a much stronger position.”
He added that, effective immediately, all efforts will be focused on mobilising support for President Museveni and other NRM flag bearers.
“Isingiro South is an area where the President has consistently performed exceedingly well, scoring 96% in the last election. There is no reason why we should not achieve 100% come January,” he remarked.
Tayebwa further commended Bakunda for choosing not to contest as an independent, saying it was a difficult but significant act of loyalty.
“The NRM stands for unity, and whenever we succeed in reconciling rival groups after the primaries, I feel a deep sense of satisfaction,” he added.
