John Chrysostom Alintuma Nsambu, former ICT Minister and Uganda’s Ambassador to Algeria, has officially withdrawn from the Bukoto East parliamentary race, expressing deep frustration with the toxic political environment.
Nsambu launched a well-funded campaign aimed at reclaiming the seat he once held, but he said the harsh reality of today’s politics forced him to step aside.
“I entered this race with a genuine desire to serve and bring positive change to Bukoto East,” Nsambu said.
“But today’s politics reward hatred over service. Even when you love your people and work hard for them, they still see you as an enemy if you don’t align with their bitterness.”
He likened the experience to “being in a marriage where you buy your wife new clothes, and instead of thanking you, she insults and humiliates you in public.”
Nsambu’s campaign attracted attention for its scale and substantial financial backing, including donations in US dollars and other foreign currencies.
Seen as a strong contender against incumbent MP Evans Kanyike of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Nsambu had hoped to reclaim the seat he lost in 2011 to Florence Namayanja.
Despite withdrawing, he urged voters to look beyond party colors, saying, “Don’t be deceived by party colors. Whether NRM, NUP, or DP, they all earn the same salary. What matters is whether they deliver.”
Nsambu also announced he will now devote himself fully to serving in the Catholic Church, which he described as his refuge and source of purpose.
Reactions from residents were mixed. “Nsambu did a lot during his time as ICT Minister. He gave many schools in Masaka computers,” said one supporter.
Others felt his withdrawal might not change much, expressing skepticism about political leaders in general.
Nsambu’s exit reshapes the Bukoto East race, leaving incumbent Kanyike with one less formidable challenger ahead of the elections.
