Rukiga District has a total of 96 candidates, of whom 64 were unopposed in the recently concluded NRM party primaries, 13 withdrew, and 19 remain in the race.
Thirteen independent candidates in Rukiga District have withdrawn from the 2026 general elections after a reconciliation and harmonization meeting organized by the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The meeting, held on Saturday at Satellite Hotel in Muhanga Town Council, was chaired by NRM National Vice Chairperson for Western Region, Eng. Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki. It brought together party flag bearers, former independent candidates, and NRM structures to promote unity and strengthen party cohesion ahead of the elections.
Among those who stepped down were LC5 councillors and LC3 councillors. Rukiga District has a total of 96 candidates, of whom 64 were unopposed in the recently concluded NRM party primaries, 13 withdrew, and 19 remain in the race.
Eng. Asiimwe said another harmonization meeting is scheduled for November 23, aimed at encouraging remaining candidates to step aside in favor of the NRM party.
He emphasized the importance of making strategic decisions rather than contesting for lower positions, noting that LC3 and LC5 sitting allowances of 3,000 shillings are insufficient for development.
Eng. Asiimwe also pledged to create over 100 jobs in his oil and gas company, primarily for residents of the Kigezi subregion.
Dr. Sylvia Mwanaki Arinaitwe, NRM Woman MP flag bearer, urged the candidates who stepped down to continue demonstrating integrity and resilience for the party’s progress in Rukiga.
She highlighted her priorities, which include improving health services, water supply, electricity, and infrastructure development in the district.
Dr. Â Mwanaki also said they are targeting to make all their NRM leaders to win in the next elections and if need be win unopposed earlier.
” Our plan in Rukiga district is to win all for the President( Yoweri Museveni and MPs and local councils, so that we focus on development” she added.
At the same event, Kiconco Patrick Katabazi, Rukiga County NRM flag bearer, expressed gratitude to the candidates who stepped aside, calling it a symbolic demonstration of political maturity.
