The Kitagwenda County independent Member of Parliament aspirant, Emmanuel Arinaitwe, has made a surprising U-turn and rejoined the parliamentary race after earlier declaring his withdrawal.
Arinaitwe had initially been nominated by the Electoral Commission as an independent candidate for the Kitagwenda County seat.
He later announced his withdrawal following engagements with the National Resistance Movement (NRM) national leadership, led by the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Annet Among.
His withdrawal was publicly announced during President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s recent campaign visit to Kitagwenda District.
While welcoming the President, Speaker Among informed supporters that Arinaitwe had stepped down to pave the way for the NRM flag bearer, Robert Mugabe.
Arinaitwe was later invited to the podium and photographed with the President, reinforcing perceptions that he had fully exited the contest.
In a dramatic turn, Arinaitwe has resurfaced on the campaign trail. He was recently seen in Kayinja Town Council, openly rallying voters to support his independent bid.
Speaking to Nice Post, Arinaitwe confirmed he is back in the race and clarified the circumstances surrounding his earlier withdrawal.
“It is true that I agreed to withdraw during the meeting with NRM leaders,” Arinaitwe said. “But my withdrawal was conditional. I made it clear that I would not withdraw my nomination papers from the Electoral Commission.”
He explained that his decision to re-enter the race was influenced by developments concerning the NRM flag bearer.
“After realizing that the NRM flag bearer could be kicked out of the race over alleged fraudulent academic documents, I decided to continue with my candidature,” Arinaitwe noted.
Arinaitwe’s return now reshapes the political landscape in Kitagwenda County, setting the stage for a potentially heated contest as the general elections draw closer.