Samuel Muganzi, who had returned to the Kikuube LC5 race as an independent after losing the NRM primaries, has withdrawn his candidature.
The decision leaves the contest with only two candidates: incumbent Peter Banura of the NRM and Fenekansi Tinkamanyire of the National Unity Platform.
Muganzi said his decision follows consultations with his supporters and party leaders, who advised that challenging an incumbent who won the party flag in a largely free and fair primary would be improper.
“I have decided to withdraw my candidature for the good of the National Resistance Movement Party (NRM) and will support the official NRM flag bearer, Peter Banura, to ensure the party wins the general elections,” Muganzi told reporters in Hoima City.
He also cited guidance from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who has consistently urged independents who lost NRM primaries to step aside in favor of the party’s official candidates.
Prior to joining politics in 2025, Muganzi served as the town clerk for Buhimba Town Council in Kikuube District.
Banura welcomed Muganzi’s withdrawal, describing it as a boost to his campaign and the party.
“Now that my main contender is out of the race, NRM is assured of this win. I look forward to seeing Muganzi join me on the rallies and ask his supporters to vote for me,” Banura said.
With Muganzi out of the race, attention now turns to the general election, where the focus will be on consolidating NRM support against opposition challengers.
