By Our Reporter,
SEMBABULE
Mawogola North Member of Parliament, Hon. Shartsi Kutesa Musherure, has officially withdrawn her candidacy from the upcoming NRM party primaries for the 2026–2031 electoral period.
In a press release dated June 22, 2025, the legislator cited a combination of political, security, and personal reasons for her decision.
“I regret to inform you that I have withdrawn my candidature for the position of the NRM flag bearer Mawogola North for the period 2026–2031,” the statement reads.
“I have taken this decision with a heavy heart, knowing fully well how much disappointment you will all endure, but I take comfort in the belief that it is in the ashes of such setbacks that the seeds of future success germinate.”
According to Musherure, the decision followed a series of consultations with her family and a meeting with President Yoweri Museveni, who also serves as Chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
It should be recalled that in the 2020, there was a lot of blood shedding in Mawogola North, Ssembabule, particularly in the NRM primaries between Shartis Musherure and President Museveni’s brother Aine Sodo Kaguta after the events of that election cycle were marred by violence and intimidation. An agreement was reached on to allow Musherure contest for the area MP on NRM ticket, while Sodo was asked to stepdown and wait for the following term.
It’s this consensus agreement that reportedly influenced Shartis decision to bow out in order to protect her supporters and promote unity within the party.
“The people of Mawogola North were not able to exercise their constitutional right to choose their leaders freely” during the 2021 NRM primaries, she recalled.
She outlined respect for President Museveni, protection of voters from violence and insecurity, promoting unity among among constituents, and preserving cohesion within the NRM party as key reasons for stepping down.
Musherure expressed deep gratitude to her supporters, highlighting the development strides made during her tenure, including improvements in infrastructure, education, and health. She also paid tribute to her Goberera Initiative team for their effective role in monitoring government programs.
“This decision comes with a heavy heart,” she retaliated, “but I take comfort in the belief that in the ashes of such setbacks, the seeds of future success germinate.”
Despite her withdrawal, the MP reaffirmed her commitment to serve and thanked the people of Mawogola North for their trust and support during her term from 2021.
Background
Musherure, daughter to former Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Kutesa, entered the political arena in 2021 and won the hotly contested Mawogola North seat under the NRM ticket after a controversial primary race.
Her withdrawal paves the way for Sodo who recently told reports that the president had okayed his candidacy
“I talked to President Museveni and he agreed. He knows that I am going to contest in Mawogola North,” Sodo said after being nominated by NRM EC Chairperson Dr. Tanga Odoi.
NRM Primaries are scheduled for July 16 across the country.
