The National Unity Platform (NUP) candidate for the Mawogola North parliamentary seat, Idi Ssemata, has withdrawn from the race, citing intimidation, violence against his supporters, and what he described as overwhelming monetisation of the campaign.
Speaking to the media, Ssemata said many of his supporters had abandoned him out of fear of publicly associating with his campaign, following reported incidents of threats and attacks on those mobilising on his behalf.
“I have been repeatedly intimidated and threatened with harm,” Ssemata said, adding that his rivals had spent heavily on the campaign, leaving him unable to compete financially.
Ssemata was contesting against the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer and President Yoweri Museveni’s younger brother, Sodo Aide Kaguta, alongside independent candidate Counsel Jet Tumwebaze and others. He alleged that his opponents used money to lure away his supporters, a practice he said he could not match.
He further revealed that he had reported the alleged intimidation and electoral malpractices to the Electoral Commission but received no response, a situation he said ultimately forced him to pull out of the race.
Ssemata, however, dismissed claims that he had been bribed to step down, insisting that his decision was based on principle. He added that any money allegedly used to induce his withdrawal would be better spent on constructing a hospital in Sembabule District.
He clarified that he will neither campaign for nor endorse any of the remaining candidates, instead urging his supporters to vote for a candidate of their choice whom they believe can effectively deliver services.
During his campaign, Ssemata had positioned himself as an agent of change in Mawogola North, arguing that President Museveni has been in power for too long and calling on voters to support the National Unity Platform.
Ssemata becomes the latest opposition candidate to withdraw from a parliamentary race in Sembabule District. Recently, Isaac Tumusiime, the NUP ticket holder for Lwemiyaga Constituency, also withdrew from the race and later declared support for the NRM candidate, Rt. Gen. Emmanuel Rwashande.
Ssemata said he has formally notified both NUP leadership and the Electoral Commission of his decision, adding that he remains committed to elective politics and will consider returning if the political environment in Sembabule normalises in the future.
English 