Fifteen candidates in Kabale District have withdrawn their bid to contest as independents in the 2026 general elections, following a reconciliation and harmonization meeting organized by the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The meeting, held on Friday at UNITE Kabale (formerly Kabale NTC), was chaired by the NRM National Vice Chairperson for Western Region, Eng. Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki. It brought together party flag bearers, independent candidates, and NRM structures in an effort to promote unity and strengthen party cohesion ahead of the forthcoming elections.
According to NRM officials, those who stepped down included two candidates at the LC5 councilorship level, five at LCIII, and eight at LCII.
Speaking to Jonard Post , Justus Niwaha, who had contested for the LCIII councillorship seat for Kitumba Parish, said the meeting gave him a sense of closure and renewed hope.“
After meeting Eng. Asiimwe, I felt relieved from the loss. Before this meeting, no one from NRM had tried to reach out or console us,” Niwaha said.
Another former contestant, Innocent Byomuhangi, who had expressed interest in the LCIII councillorship for Karubanda Ward, emphasized that their decision to withdraw was voluntary.“
We have not been forced to withdraw. We did it willingly because we believe in unity and the NRM’s vision,” Byomuhangi said.
Kabale District NRM Chairperson, Bridget Asinga Tumwesigye, commended the candidates for their decision, urging them to remain strong despite possible criticism.
“I want to thank those who have withdrawn their candidacy. Do not be intimidated by anyone for doing the right thing. You have demonstrated loyalty and maturity,” Asinga said.
In his closing remarks, Eng. Jonard Asiimwe Akiiki encouraged all former independent candidates to work hand in hand with the party’s flag bearers in mobilizing grassroots support.
“The time for division is over. I urge all those who have withdrawn to now focus on strengthening the NRM and mobilizing support for our flag bearers and for President Museveni as we move toward the 2026 general elections,” he stated.
The meeting is part of a broader effort by the NRM leadership to reconcile party members across the Western Region and ensure a united front ahead of the polls.
