The political landscape in Mawogola North has shifted decisively following the withdrawal of Shartsi Musherure Kutesa from the 2026 parliamentary race—clearing the way for National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer Godfrey Aine Kaguta, widely known as Sodo, to consolidate support in the constituency.
Shartsi, daughter of former Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Kutesa, confirmed her decision to step back from the race this week, ending a long-standing rivalry that once split the NRM in one of Uganda’s more politically symbolic constituencies.
Sodo, a younger brother to President Yoweri Museveni, has already hit the ground running—meeting voters, rallying youth groups, and emphasizing what he calls “unfinished business” from the closely contested 2021 race.
That election ended in controversy and legal battles, despite strong local backing for his candidacy.
With Shartsi’s departure, many see Sodo’s renewed campaign as an opportunity to unite a constituency that has often been caught between legacy and loyalty.
His messaging now leans heavily on service delivery, grassroots mobilisation, and infrastructure development.
“Look at our roads, our schools—people want results, not just promises,” one campaign aide said during a stop in Kadama.
While his 2021 bid fell short, Sodo’s local popularity has remained strong. Now, without the challenge of an internal NRM rival, he appears poised to galvanize support across the political spectrum ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Whether this new chapter leads to lasting political unity in Mawogola North remains to be seen—but with one major contender out of the race, the path to Parliament has grown significantly clearer for Sodo.
