Shartis Musherure Steps Down from Mawogola North Parliamentary Race

Shartis Musherure Kutesa, daughter of former Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Kutesa, has announced her withdrawal from the parliamentary race for Mawogola North Constituency. The decision comes shortly after her nomination as the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party flag bearer for the 2026-2031 term.

In a statement released on Sunday, Musherure cited her respect for President Yoweri Museveni, who also serves as the NRM national chairman, as a primary reason for her withdrawal. She also expressed concerns over the safety and unity of her supporters, referencing the violence and insecurity witnessed during previous NRM primary elections in Sembabule.

"I regret to inform you that I have withdrawn my candidature for the position of the NRM flag bearer for Mawogola North," she stated. "My decision is rooted in my respect for the president, my elder and leader, and my desire to protect our supporters from threats and brutality, while safeguarding the unity of our people and the NRM party."

Musherure's withdrawal is seen as a reciprocation of a 2021 agreement with Godfrey Aine Kaguta, popularly known as Sodo, who is President Museveni’s younger brother. During the 2021 NRM primaries, Sodo stepped aside to allow Musherure to contest following a meeting with the president. It was reportedly agreed that Musherure would return the favor in the 2026 elections.

Sodo, who recently expressed his readiness to run for the seat, voiced disappointment over Musherure’s initial decision to contest despite their prior agreement. "We agreed, and everyone in the meeting knows. I am disappointed, but I have no problem because even last time in the primaries, I won," he said.

In her statement, Musherure described her decision as difficult but necessary. "I have taken this decision with a heavy heart, knowing fully well how much disappointment you will all endure," she said. "But I take comfort in the belief that it is in the ashes of such setbacks that the seeds of future success germinate."

She expressed gratitude to her supporters for their unwavering dedication and urged them to remain steadfast. "I owe you a debt of gratitude for your love, sacrifice, and dedication," she added.

The withdrawal marks a significant development in the political landscape of Mawogola North, with attention now turning to Sodo’s candidacy and the broader implications for the NRM party’s unity ahead of the 2026 elections.