Jinja North Member of Parliament David Isabirye Agah has officially announced his withdrawal from the 2026 parliamentary race after losing the National Unity Platform (NUP) ticket to comedian-turned-politician Hussein Muyonjo, popularly known as Swengere.
Isabirye, who recently defected from Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) to join NUP, said he fully respects the party’s vetting outcome and will not contest under any other political banner.
“I believe in the outcome of the vetting conducted by my party, the National Unity Platform,” Agah told supporters at a recent rally. “I will support the one given the ticket — Hussein Muyonjo, also known as Swengere.”
His remarks come amid speculation that he might seek nomination under the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF), a claim he firmly denied.
Agah’s endorsement of Muyonjo is likely to influence the race in Jinja North, where he has maintained significant grassroots support since 2021. His tenure survived a court challenge when the High Court upheld his election following the withdrawal of a petition filed by NRM’s Muhammad Bidondole Bismarck.
Agah’s move has drawn mixed reactions, with some praising his political maturity and others questioning NUP’s handling of high-profile defections.
However, his decision highlights the complex dynamics politicians face when shifting party allegiance, especially in parties with competitive internal vetting systems.
Political analysts note that Agah's loyalty to the vetting process could set a precedent for other NUP aspirants, especially those who have recently crossed from rival parties.
“It's rare to see a sitting MP step aside without a fight after losing a party ticket,” one analyst noted. “This could strengthen internal democracy within NUP if more leaders accept such outcomes.”
The endorsement is a major boost for Swengere, who has built a large following through satire and civic education campaigns before formally joining politics. His popularity among the youth and urban voters in Jinja North positions him as a strong contender in the 2026 elections.
Observers say that with Agah's support, Swengere now has the potential to unite a broad coalition of NUP loyalists, undecided voters, and former FDC supporters.
As Uganda edges closer to the 2026 general elections, the evolving political landscape in Jinja North will be one to watch — particularly how Agah’s endorsement shapes the narrative in a constituency known for its vibrant and competitive politics.
