Kikuube LC5 chairperson aspirant withdraws in favour of NRM flag-bearer
Muganzi, who resigned as Buhimba town clerk to pursue politics, campaigned on promises of improved service delivery, arguing that his prior administrative role limited his capacity to effect change.
Emmanuel Tumwine (on right), the Electoral Commission returning officer for Kikuube, confirmed receiving Muganzi’s withdrawal letter. (Credit: Peter Abaanabasazi)
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KIKUUBE - Samuel Muganzi, who has been contesting for the Kikuube district LC5 chairperson seat, says he has withdrawn from the race.
Mugazi, who was an independent, contested in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries and lost to incumbent Peter Banura. Banura secured 44,705 votes, against Muganzi's 7,752 votes.
Muganzi, who resigned as Buhimba town clerk to pursue politics, campaigned on promises of improved service delivery, arguing that his prior administrative role limited his capacity to effect change.
However, Mugazi rejected the results that gave Banura victory, alleging that the party primaries were marred by a lot of irregularities. He would later be nominated to contest for the post by the national Electoral Commission (EC) for the 2026 General Election.
Muganzi, who had started campaigning, officially wrote to the EC notifying them of his decision to withdraw from the race.
In the letter dated November 12, 2025, addressed to the EC district registrar, Muganzi says he has taken a personal decision to withdraw from the contest.
“Pursuant to section 121 of the Local Government Act, 243 as amended, this is to notify you that as a duly nominated independent candidate for the position of Local Council V Chairperson, Kikuube district, I have decided to withdraw my candidature with immediate effect for personal reasons. I thank the Electoral Commission for the support and guidance offered to me from the time I was nominated to date. The purpose of this communication is to tender my notice of withdrawal for your information and action,” the letter reads in part.
In a telephone interview on November 19, morning, Muganzi said he had stepped down for the good of the National Resistance Movement (NRM) since he is one of the party's senior cadres in the district.
He pledged to rally support for Banura and President Yoweri Museveni to ensure they win the General Election.
When contacted, EC returning officer Emmanuel Tumwine confirmed receiving Muganzi’s letter.
Mugazi's withdrawal leaves Banura facing off with Phenekansi Timanyire of the National Unity Platform (NUP).
Kikuube district NRM vice-chairperson Vicente Opio Alpha commended Mugazi for exhibiting the spirit of NRM, adding that this will help in consolidating the party's support. He urged other candidates contesting as independents to emulate Mugazi.
Mugazi's withdrawal comes barely a week after NRM's first national vice-chairperson, Alhaji Moses Kigongo, visited the area and implored all ruling party-leaning independent candidates to stand down in favour of the flag bearers.
Kigongo said independents who insist on contesting should be shunned by NRM supporters.