The political landscape in Sembabule’s Mawogola North has undergone a major shift just weeks ahead of the NRM party primaries, following the unexpected withdrawal of incumbent MP Shartsi Musherure from the race.
In a statement released Sunday, Shartsi Kutesa Musherure announced she would not be seeking the NRM flag for the 2026–2031 term.
Shartsi Musherure cited respect for President Yoweri Museveni, who also serves as the NRM Party Chairman, and a commitment to preserving party unity as the reasons behind her decision.
“I regret to inform you that I have withdrawn my candidature. This is out of deep respect for the President my elder and leader his guidance, and a desire to avoid exposing our supporters to the threats, violence, and insecurity that marred the last primaries in Sembabule. I am also stepping aside to safeguard unity among our people and within the NRM.”, Musherure wrote.
Her exit clears the way for President Museveni’s younger brother, Aine Kaguta Sodo, who was officially nominated last week by the NRM Electoral Commission in Kampala.
Speaking after his nomination, Sodo confirmed he had consulted the President before entering the race.
“I talked to President Museveni and he agreed. He knows I’m going to contest in Mawogola North, who was nominated by NRM EC Chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi. “Back when I stepped aside, he told me to let Hon. Shartsi go through, but that I could return next time. Now I am back and ready.”said Sodo
Sodo and Musherure previously faced off in the hotly contested 2021 NRM primaries, one of the most violent intra-party battles that year. The dispute was eventually settled after a State House intervention, during which Sodo agreed to withdraw under a mutual understanding that he would be supported in the next election cycle.
Shartsi Musherure’s decision to seek re-election had reportedly taken Sodo by surprise. “I am disappointed,” he remarked. “We had an agreement, and everyone present at that meeting remembers it.”
In her farewell message, Musherure—daughter of former Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Kutesa thanked her constituents and supporters, highlighting achievements during her tenure such as improved infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
“I am deeply grateful for your love, sacrifice, and dedication. Though this decision comes with a heavy heart and will cause disappointment, I believe that from these setbacks, the seeds of future success can grow.”,she wrote
With Musherure out of the race, Sodo emerges as the clear front-runner, buoyed by grassroots backing and strong support from the President.
The NRM party primaries in Mawogola North are scheduled for July 16.