By Our Reporter
In a stunning political twist ahead of the 2026 elections, Hon. Shartsi Kutesa Musherure, the Woman Member of Parliament for Mawogola North, has announced her withdrawal from the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries, triggering widespread speculation and reshuffling within the ruling party’s power circles.
Musherure, daughter to former Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Kutesa, made the announcement in a deeply emotional statement issued Sunday, June 22, 2025, citing consultations with President Yoweri Museveni and her family as the basis for her decision.
“I have withdrawn my candidature for the position of the NRM flag bearer for Mawogola North for the period 2026–2031,” she wrote. “This is out of respect for the President, to protect our supporters from threats and insecurity, and to safeguard the unity of our people and the NRM party.”
Her withdrawal is a major blow to her political base, many of whom still vividly recall the bloody and chaotic NRM primaries of 2021 in Sembabule District, where her supporters faced threats, violence, and intimidation. Musherure stressed that the trauma of that episode played a central role in her decision not to subject the region to a repeat of such chaos.
“The people of Mawogola North were not able to exercise their constitutional right to choose their leaders freely… It is against this background that interventions to avert a similar situation have been considered,” she explained.
Throughout her tenure since 2021, Musherure championed key infrastructure improvements in roads, health, and education. She also led the Goberrera Initiative, a grassroots program praised for its strong oversight of government projects and community empowerment efforts.
“Your sterling performance in following up on government programs has set an example of how much we can achieve with dedication,” she said, thanking her team and constituents in a farewell message that radiated grace and resolve.
Though she exits the race, Musherure affirmed her continued commitment to public service, stating, “I remain ready to serve you.” She expressed gratitude to President Museveni and her constituents, adding, “It is in the ashes of such setbacks that the seeds of future success germinate.”
Musherure’s decision opens a political vacuum in Mawogola North and sets the stage for what could be a heated contest in the upcoming NRM primaries scheduled for July 16, 2025.
As the political dust settles, one thing is certain—Musherure’s graceful exit has reshaped the narrative and left an indelible mark on Uganda’s 2026 electoral landscape.
