Rubirizi LC5 chairperson Agubanshongorire withdraws from 2026 race
“I have chosen to withdraw for the good of the party, Agubanshongorire said, noting that maintaining party cohesion was more important than pursuing his independent bid.
Silvestre Agubanshongorire, the Rubirizi District LC5 chairperson has withdrawn from the 2026 General Election race. (Photo by Bruno Mugizi)
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Rubirizi LC5 chairperson Silvestre Agubanshongorire has withdrawn from the 2026 General Election race, ending days of uncertainty over his planned independent candidature.
Agubanshongorire, who lost the NRM primaries to Obed Agaba, had initially vowed to run as an independent, accusing the party's electoral process of irregularities.
In the primaries, Agaba garnered 10,038 votes, while Agubanshongorire polled 9,650.
However, during a meeting held on Monday at the Rubirizi district headquarters, chaired by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, Agubanshongorire announced his decision to step aside.
“I have chosen to withdraw for the good of the party, Agubanshongorire said, noting that maintaining party cohesion was more important than pursuing his independent bid.
His decision now clears the way for the NRM flag bearer as Rubirizi prepares for the 2026 General Election.
Agubanshongorire becomes the second LC5 chairperson in the region to bow out in favour of the party line, following Bushenyi LC5 chairperson Jaffari Basajjabalaba, who also recently stepped down for NRM flag-bearer Twebaze Prosper.
Deputy Speaker Tayebwa praised Agubanshongorire for what he described as a “mature and unifying move.”
“This is a commendable step. Such decisions strengthen the party and demonstrate true leadership,” Tayebwa said.