Mbarara District chairperson Didas Tabaro has withdrawn from the 2026 race, clearing the path for National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer Hygiene Twongyirwe to run unopposed.
Tabaro’s decision follows a “constructive consultative meeting” with the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) leadership, where he serves as Ankole Region Coordinator.
Speaking to the Nile Post on Thursday, Tabaro said the discussions guided his decision to step aside. “After engaging with the PLU leadership, I have decided to withdraw my candidature. I will now focus on mobilising and canvassing support for President Museveni in the Ankole region,” he said.
Tabaro’s exit is the third high-profile withdrawal by district chairpersons in the Ankole region, following Jaffar Basajabalaba of Bushenyi District and Sylvester Agubanshongorire of Rubirizi District, both of whom also bowed out after engagements with party and PLU leadership structures.
Political analysts say these developments consolidate the NRM’s influence in Ankole ahead of the 2026 general elections while streamlining internal cohesion among key regional mobilisers.
With Tabaro out, Twongyirwe is expected to sail through unopposed, pending official confirmation by the Electoral Commission.