Fifteen candidates in Kabale District have withdrawn from the 2026 general elections as independents following a reconciliation and harmonization meeting convened by the National Resistance Movement (NRM) to strengthen internal unity ahead of the polls.
The meeting, held on Friday at UNITE Kabale (formerly Kabale NTC), was chaired by NRM National Vice Chairperson for Western Region Jonard Asiimwe.
It brought together party flag bearers, independent candidates, and district party leaders to resolve post-primary disputes and promote cohesion.
According to NRM officials, the 15 candidates who stepped down included two aspirants at the LC5 councilorship level, five at LCIII, and eight at LCII.
Justus Niwaha, who had contested for the LCIII councillorship seat for Kitumba Parish, said the meeting helped him find closure after losing in the primaries.
“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 sought the LCIII councillorship for Karubanda Ward, said their withdrawal was voluntary.
“We have not been forced to withdraw. We did it willingly because we believe in unity and the NRM’s vision,” he said.
Kabale District NRM Chairperson Bridget Asinga Tumwesigye commended the candidates for their decision, urging them to remain steadfast despite potential criticism.
“Do not be intimidated by anyone for doing the right thing. You have demonstrated loyalty and maturity,” she said.
In his closing remarks, Eng. Asiimwe called on the former independent candidates to work closely with party flag bearers in mobilizing grassroots support.
“The time for division is over. I urge all those who have withdrawn to focus on strengthening the NRM and mobilizing for President Museveni as we move toward the 2026 elections,” he stated.
The Kabale meeting is part of the NRM’s broader reconciliation campaign across the Western Region aimed at uniting members and consolidating support ahead of the general elections.
