Mbarara, Uganda: Former NRM mayoral aspirant for Mbarara City, Mr. Seth Murari, has announced that he will not run as an independent candidate in the 2026 general elections, despite raising concerns over alleged irregularities during the recent NRM party primaries.
Murari, who contested the NRM mayoral primaries in Mbarara City, filed a petition before the NRM Elections Tribunal questioning the conduct and outcome of the vote. While the tribunal is yet to deliver a ruling in his petition, he has decided to step aside, citing loyalty to the party.
In a press statement released on Saturday, September 06, a day after EC nominations closed for the local government positions, Mr Murari urged his supporters to channel their energy toward mobilizing for the National Resistance Movement Chairman and President, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, ahead of the 2026 presidential elections.
“Following the conclusion of the party primaries, I raised legitimate concerns regarding electoral irregularities and lodged a petition before the NRM Elections Tribunal. To date, we still await a formal communication from the tribunal on the matter. Despite this, and after deep consultation and reflection, I have decided that I will not stand as an independent candidate in the 2026 general elections,” Murari wrote.
“This decision is born out of my unwavering loyalty to the NRM, a party that has been the foundation of stability, peace, and progress for our nation. I strongly believe that personal ambition should never be placed above the unity of a movement,” he added, emphasizing his continued commitment to community service.
“I therefore call upon all those who have walked this journey with me to channel the same energy and dedication towards mobilizing and rallying overwhelming support for our Party Chairman and President, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, as he seeks the mandate of Ugandans once again in the 2026 presidential elections.”
While he will not be on the ballot, Mr Murari assured his supporters and residents that he will maintain efforts to empower local entrepreneurs, support youth and women, and advocate for improved service delivery in Mbarara City.
“I pledge to continue these initiatives at the grassroots level, working hand in hand with community leaders, the business sector, and civil society, so that together we build a city that is inclusive, innovative, and prosperous,” he said.
Murari’s withdrawal comes after a highly contested primary in which he faced stiff competition, highlighting the dynamic political landscape in the region. The NRM Primaries were won by incumbent Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi with 19,800 votes (41%) against Murari’s 12,926 votes (28.2%).
Others in the race were Herbert Kamugisha with 6,541 votes (14.3%), Dan Ruhemba Kamusiime 4,137 votes (9%), and Evelyn Walimbwa 2,984 votes (6.5%). Godwin Nsimire with 343 votes (0.7%), and Elias Ahimbisibwe with 91 votes (0.2%) were far behind.
But analysts say Murari’s decision not to stand as independent against the flag bearer underscores the strategic importance of party loyalty in Uganda’s multiparty politics, particularly in ensuring cohesive support for the NRM ahead of the 2026 polls.
Murari reaffirmed that leadership extends beyond holding office. “Leadership is about consistent action, sacrifice, and service to others. To this end, I assure you that my door will remain open, my heart will remain committed, and my hands will remain ready to serve. Together, we can continue to transform lives, even as we strengthen our support for the NRM and its leadership,” he said.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
