The political dynamics in Mawogola North have taken an unexpected turn just weeks ahead of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries, after incumbent Member of Parliament Shartsi Kutesa Musherure announced she would not seek re-election.
Her announcement came on Sunday, June 22, in a statement posted on her X account.
“I regret to inform you that I have withdrawn my candidature for the position of the NRM flag bearer Mawogola North for the period 2026–2031,” she wrote.
She cited several reasons for stepping aside: respect for President Yoweri Museveni, the need to preserve party unity, and a desire to spare her supporters the “threats, brutality and insecurity” they experienced in the previous primaries.
“My respect for the President, my elder and leader, and my high regard for his guidance; not to subject our supporters to the threats… that they endured… to safeguard the unity of our people; and to maintain the unity of the NRM party.”
In a more personal note, she thanked those who stood by her.
“I take this opportunity to thank H.E the President, the people of Mawogola North, especially my supporters for the opportunity to serve them… I have rendered selfless service to my people because it is my duty and calling to do so.”
Musherure’s exit clears the way for her former rival, Aine Godfrey Kaguta Sodo—President Museveni’s younger brother—who was officially nominated last week at the NRM Electoral Commission offices in Kampala.
Sodo confirmed he had consulted with the President before deciding to return.
“I talked to President Museveni and he agreed. He knows that I am going to contest in Mawogola North,” he said after being nominated.
“I remember that time when I was stepping down, he told me to allow Hon. Shartsi to go through, but next, I could come. Now I am back and ready.”
Sodo and Shartsi’s political rivalry goes back to the run-up to the 2021 general elections. Back then, Sodo won the NRM primaries but faced a legal challenge from Musherure, prompting the party to advise both candidates to run as independents.
In a last-minute twist, Sodo stepped aside—reportedly at the urging of family and the President—and Musherure won the general election.
Musherure, who holds two law degrees and serves on the parliamentary legal and constitutional affairs committee, used her farewell message to highlight what she described as her accomplishments in office.
“To my supporters, I owe you a debt of gratitude for your love, sacrifice and dedication,” she wrote. “Together, we have made tremendous progress… repaired and built roads, education and health infrastructure. But above all, we have ensured unity and tranquility in our area.”
She added, “I have taken this decision with a heavy heart… but I take comfort in the knowledge and belief that it is in the ashes of such setbacks that the seeds of future success germinate.”
With Musherure out of the race, Sodo enters the July 16 primaries as the clear front-runner, buoyed by grassroots support and the President’s endorsement.
