Rakai – With just a day left to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries to select flag bearers for district chairpersons and councillors nationwide, two contenders in the hotly contested Rakai District race have stepped down in favour of the 90-year-old incumbent, Samuel Ssekamwa Kaggwa.
The development, hailed as a show of unity and political maturity, is intended to strengthen the party’s cohesion in the district ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The decision was reached during a reconciliation meeting held in Kimuli Village, Lwentulege Town Council.
The meeting was chaired by Ssemwanga Gyaviira Kisoboka, the NRM Chairperson for Rakai District and Member of Parliament for Buyamba County. It was attended by senior party officials and local stakeholders.
Following the talks, Godfrey Bajungu and John Kasiiba announced their withdrawal from the race, effectively leaving Mr. Ssekamwa unopposed.
“The two comrades have demonstrated exceptional maturity and commitment to party unity,” said Ssemwanga during a press briefing at his home.
“They stepped down voluntarily to rally the party behind one strong candidate and avoid unnecessary divisions.”
He also acknowledged the party’s past electoral challenges in the Buganda sub-region.
“In the last election, NRM struggled in several parts of Buganda due to internal wrangles.
This time, we are addressing disagreements early to ensure a united front going into the elections,” he added.
Bajungu and Kasiiba said their decision was driven by a desire to prioritise party unity and urged their supporters to stand firmly behind Ssekamwa.
“This wasn’t an easy decision, but we believe it is the right one for the unity and progress of our party in Rakai,” they said in a joint statement.
“We call on our supporters to remain calm and give their full backing to Mr. Ssekamwa in the upcoming elections.”
Kasiiba added, “We are fully supporting Mr. Ssekamwa because of his experience and long-standing service to the district.”
The move has been widely welcomed by NRM supporters and leaders at various levels, with many calling on President Yoweri Museveni to recognize the duo’s sacrifice by considering them for roles in government.
“These are the kinds of leaders we need—those who put the party first,” said one NRM supporter. “We hope the President will acknowledge their gesture with appointments that reflect their loyalty.”
Following the withdrawals, Rakai District NRM Registrar Robert Ssesanga confirmed that there would be no election for the chairperson seat during Thursday’s primaries, with only councillor positions remaining up for contest.
“We’ve received formal communication from both candidates confirming their withdrawal,” Ssesanga said.
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