By KT Reporter
Nakasongola County Member of Parliament, Noah Mutebi Wanzala, has announced that he will not seek re-election in the 2026 general elections after losing in the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries.
Mutebi, who has represented Nakasongola since 2016 under the NRM ticket, was defeated in the July primaries by his long-time rival Stephen Tibelondwa Bujjingo, who polled 10,531 votes against his 7,186. Mutebi rejected the outcome, alleging massive irregularities, and petitioned the NRM Elections Tribunal to nullify the results. However, the petition was dismissed.
Frustrated by the outcome, Mutebi had initially declared he would run as an Independent, a move that sparked tension in Nakasongola, a constituency considered a stronghold of the ruling party. But on Thursday, Mutebi reversed course, announcing that he had chosen not to contest in the race in the interest of party unity.
Mutebi explained that pressing ahead with his independent bid could deepen divisions within the NRM, ultimately weakening support for both the parliamentary seat and President Museveni’s re-election campaign. He, however, remained non-committal on whether he would actively campaign for Bujjingo, saying his immediate focus is on backing the NRM presidential candidate.
Mutebi’s decision marks the end of a 25-year political journey in Nakasongola, where he rose from district councillor to Member of Parliament. Sources indicate that Public Service Minister, Muruuli Mukasa, was among senior party leaders who convinced Mutebi to withdraw from the race.
His exit, however, has left many supporters stunned. Eden Buyinza, the Speaker of Katuugo Town Council, said the development shocked voters who still believe Mutebi was unfairly rigged out of the primaries. Another voter, Godfrey Yiga, praised Mutebi’s generosity and community service, recalling how he built a house for an elderly woman in his village.
In response, the NRM flagbearer Bujjingo welcomed Mutebi’s withdrawal, calling it an act of political maturity. He noted that in the 2021 elections, he too stepped aside after losing to Mutebi despite alleged irregularities. Bujjingo appealed to Mutebi to join his campaign team so that the NRM can retain the constituency.
Mutebi’s withdrawal clears the path for a direct contest between Bujjingo and the National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate, Ivan Kyeyune, who has been positioning himself as a youthful alternative in Nakasongola. Other candidates are also expected to emerge before nominations.
According to the NRM Secretariat, more than 80 aspirants who lost in the primaries but had threatened to run as Independents have since stepped down across the country following party intervention. Analysts say this is part of NRM’s broader strategy to consolidate its support base ahead of the 2026 polls.
The Electoral Commission has scheduled nominations for parliamentary candidates for October 22-23, 2025.
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