Independent candidate Joshua Byenkya has withdrawn from the Hoima City mayorship race, throwing his support behind incumbent mayor and NRM flag bearer Brian Kaboyo.
Byenkya said his decision was motivated by loyalty to the party and the desire to prevent opposition candidates from gaining an advantage.
Byenkya made the announcement at the home of NRM Vice Chairman for Western Uganda, Engineer Jonard Asiimwe, in Hoima, stating that guidance from President Yoweri Museveni and local elders influenced his decision.
"The president has for long been asking independents to step down in favor of NRM flag bearers. I reflected and decided to step aside in favor of Brian Kaboyo, who took the flag," Byenkya said.
A veteran councilor in Hoima for nearly 20 years, Byenkya explained that he had not participated in NRM party primaries because of the high financial costs and difficulties associated with general elections. Instead, he initially chose to run as an independent.
NRM Vice Chairman for Western Uganda Jonard Asiimwe said the party continues to engage independent candidates to step down in favour of flag bearers, emphasizing that such moves strengthen the party and reduce opportunities for opposition gains.
"We have been engaging many independents. Apart from Byenkya, others will announce their withdrawal before the president visits the region from December 9 to 15. The more NRM-aligned independents step down, the stronger the party becomes. Otherwise, we give room to the opposition," Asiimwe said.
Asiimwe acknowledged Byenkya’s political influence, noting that his participation as an independent could have affected not only the mayoral race but also parliamentary and councilor elections.
With Byenkya out, Kaboyo now faces Mustafa Kahuma, an independent NRM-leaning candidate; Wycliffe Tumusime from the Peoples Front for Freedom; Dan Kaija, an independent; Edward Isingoma, Hoima City Speaker and former NRM primary contender; and John Bosco from the National Unity Platform.
Mustafa Kahuma, however, vowed not to step down, citing irregularities in the NRM party elections and dissatisfaction with the current city leadership under Kaboyo.
"The city needs new leadership from someone who understands how to govern a city effectively," Kahuma said.
Kaboyo welcomed Byenkya’s withdrawal, describing it as a boost to his reelection campaign.
"Byenkya is no ordinary councilor in Hoima. His stepping down gives me relief, and I hope he will join my campaign so we can secure the flag," Kaboyo said.
Byenkya has since joined the NRM-led Hoima City campaign, working with Jonard Asiimwe to ensure the party wins most positions in the city and solidifies its dominance ahead of the upcoming elections.
