Geoffrey Macho Withdraws from 2026 Parliamentary Race, Leaving 41 Candidates Competing in Busia District

Strategic Insights -

Geoffrey Macho, the Member of Parliament for Busia Municipality, has withdrawn from the 2026 parliamentary race, citing frustrations following the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries. The decision leaves a crowded field of 41 candidates competing for Busia District's five parliamentary seats, including the district woman representative. Macho's withdrawal is expected to give the remaining candidates a boost, with the election scheduled for January 15, 2025.

Key Takeaways:

  • Geoffrey Macho, the Member of Parliament for Busia Municipality, has withdrawn from the 2026 parliamentary race.
  • Macho cited frustrations following the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries as the reason for his withdrawal.
  • The decision leaves a crowded field of 41 candidates competing for Busia District's five parliamentary seats, including the district woman representative.
  • The election is scheduled for January 15, 2025, the same day Ugandans will vote for the president.
  • Eight candidates are contesting the woman MP seat, including incumbent Auma Hellen Wandera (Independent).
  • Ten candidates are vying for the Busia Municipality seat, with Mulemya Sowedi Mulemya (NRM) declared the party's flag bearer.
  • Nine candidates are running for the Samia Bugwe Central seat, with Wanyama Richard Hamala (NRM) and incumbent Nyangweso Dennis (Independent) among them.
  • Six candidates are contesting the Samia Bugwe South seat, including incumbent Were Godfrey Odero (Independent) and Maganda Julius Wandera (NRM).
  • Seven candidates are vying for the Samia Bugwe North seat, with Mulimba John (NRM, Incumbent and state minister) among them.

Statistics:

  • 41 candidates are competing for Busia District's five parliamentary seats.
  • Eight candidates are contesting the woman MP seat.
  • Ten candidates are vying for the Busia Municipality seat.
  • Nine candidates are running for the Samia Bugwe Central seat.
  • Six candidates are contesting the Samia Bugwe South seat.
  • Seven candidates are vying for the Samia Bugwe North seat.
  • January 15, 2025, is the scheduled election date.
  • Four constituencies make up Busia District: Samia Bugwe North, Samia Bugwe South, Samia Bugwe Central, and Busia Municipality.

Sources:

  • Geoffrey Macho's withdrawal, _local publication_, no date given.
  • List of nominees, Electoral Commission, Busia District, no date given.
  • Ugandans to vote for president and parliament on January 15, 2025, _The Monitor_, January 10, 2025.