Mawogola North Member of Parliament, Shartsi Kutesa Musherure has announced her withdrawal from the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Musherure confirmed her decision in a statement dated June 22, 2025, citing the violence and irregularities that marred the 2020 party primaries as a key reason for stepping aside. The decision followed a meeting with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who is also the Chairman of the NRM party, and subsequent consultations with her family.
“I regret to inform you that I have withdrawn my candidature for the position of the NRM flag bearer Mawogola North for the period 2026–2031,” Musherure stated. She explained that the move was driven by four main reasons: “Respect for the President and his guidance, a desire to shield supporters from threats and insecurity, to safeguard the unity of our people, and to maintain the unity of the NRM party.”
Musherure, who has represented Mawogola North since 2021, reflected on her term with gratitude. “I have rendered selfless service to my people because it is my duty and calling to do so,” she said. She also thanked her supporters for their unwavering loyalty, highlighting achievements made under her leadership, such as improvements in roads, education, and health infrastructure.
The MP also commended her team under the Goberera Initiative for their commitment to following up on government programs. “Your sterling performance has set an example of how much we can achieve with dedication,” she noted.
Although stepping aside from the NRM flag bearer contest, Musherure assured her constituents of continued support and reaffirmed her readiness to serve. “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 said.
Her withdrawal clears the way for Godfrey Aine Kaguta Sodo, President Museveni’s younger brother and former rival in the 2020 primaries, who was nominated and is actively campaigning for the NRM ticket.
“My people, this afternoon we were successfully nominated for Member of Parliament for Mawogola North. I’m very grateful to everyone who has stood by me and believed in this journey. Let’s keep the momentum going until we cross the finish line,” Sodo posted on social media on June 19.
