Mawogola North MP Shartsi Musherure Withdraws from NRM Primaries, Leaves Sodo Kaguta Unopposed

By Hason Mutunzi Bwambale

Kampala — In a significant development ahead of the 2026 elections, Hon. Shartsi Kutesa Musherure, the incumbent Member of Parliament for Mawogola North, has formally withdrawn from the NRM party primaries, effectively clearing the way for Godfrey Aine Kaguta, popularly known as Sodo, to run unopposed for the party flag.

Musherure made the announcement in a solemn and reflective press statement issued on Friday, citing her desire to preserve peace, unity, and cohesion—both within the NRM and the broader Mawogola North community.

“The people of Mawogola North were not able to exercise their constitutional right to choose their leaders freely, which is the very essence of elections,” Musherure wrote, referencing the tense and violent NRM primaries of 2020. “It is therefore against this background that interventions to avert a similar situation have been considered.”

She revealed that her decision followed deep consultations with her family and a meeting with President Yoweri Museveni, who also serves as Chairman of the ruling party.

“I regret to inform you that I have withdrawn my candidature for the position of the NRM flag bearer for Mawogola North for the period 2026–2031,” she said. “This decision is born out of respect for the President and his guidance, but also a firm resolve not to subject our supporters to the threats, brutality and insecurity that they endured in the previous Sembabule NRM primary elections.”

Musherure emphasized that her withdrawal is not a retreat from service, but a strategic and moral decision aimed at safeguarding the unity of her people and the party.

“Our people deserve peace and progress. I believe in unity, and I believe that sometimes leadership means stepping back to allow healing and cohesion,” she noted. “To my supporters, I owe you a debt of gratitude for your love, sacrifice and dedication.”

Her exit from the race leaves Sodo Kaguta, President Museveni’s younger brother, unopposed in the NRM primaries. The two last locked horns in a bitter 2020 primary contest that was eventually nullified by the NRM electoral commission due to widespread irregularities. The fallout from that election drew national attention and deepened political divides within Sembabule District.

Having served as MP since 2021, Musherure used her statement to reflect on her achievements and contribution to the constituency, pointing to developments in infrastructure, social services, and stability.

“Together, we have made tremendous progress in uplifting the living conditions of our people, repaired and built roads, education and health infrastructure. But above all, we have ensured unity and tranquility in our area,” she said.

She further commended her Goberera Initiative team, describing their commitment to tracking and implementing government programs as “an example of how much we can achieve with dedication.”

“Your sterling performance has set an example for us all and for future leaders,” she added.

Although stepping away from the 2026 race, Musherure expressed her continued readiness to serve the people of Mawogola North in any capacity.

“I have taken this decision with a heavy heart, knowing fully well how much disappointment you will all endure. But I take comfort in the knowledge and belief that it is in the ashes of such setbacks that the seeds of future success germinate,” she wrote.

With her graceful exit, the political landscape in Mawogola North now shifts toward Sodo Kaguta, who is expected to carry the NRM flag into the 2026 general election. The move may also be seen as an attempt to restore calm in a constituency that has experienced sharp internal divisions in recent years.

As the primaries draw near, Musherure’s withdrawal stands as a rare act of political restraint in Uganda’s often tumultuous electoral climate—one that prioritizes unity over rivalry.

“I remain ready to serve you,” she concluded. “God bless you.”