Rakai District NRM Primaries: Two Candidates Withdraw to Promote Unity

The Rakai District chairperson race has taken a turn with the withdrawal of two candidates, Mr John Baptist Kasiiba and Mr Godfrey Rugamba, from the National Resistance Movement (NRM) primaries scheduled for today. The duo stepped down to allow 79-year-old Samuel Ssekamwa to hold the party flag, a move welcomed by Rakai District NRM Chairperson, Mr Gyaviira Ssemwanga, and other legislators. According to the candidates, the decision was made to promote party cohesion and avoid internal conflicts, which could lead to violence, as witnessed in Sembabule District during the campaigns and polling day. The withdrawal has been seen as a positive gesture ahead of the 2026 General Elections.

Key Takeaways:

• Two candidates, Mr John Baptist Kasiiba and Mr Godfrey Rugamba, have withdrawn from the Rakai District chairperson race to allow 79-year-old Samuel Ssekamwa to hold the party flag.
• The withdrawal was witnessed by Rakai District NRM Chairperson, Mr Gyaviira Ssemwanga, Buyamba County MP, and Rakai District Woman MP, Ms Juliet Kinyamatama.
• All legislators welcome the gesture, stating it will promote unity among NRM members and strengthen the party ahead of the 2026 General Elections.
• The candidates cited the need to promote party cohesion and avoid internal conflicts that could lead to violence, as witnessed in Sembabule District.
• Rakai District NRM Chairperson, Mr Gyaviira Ssemwanga, stated that the district is unique, with NRM members who believe in teamwork and want only NRM members in all elective positions.
• The Rakai NRM registrar, Mr Robert Sesanga, said his office is now focused on organising elections for only LC5 mainstream NRM councillors.

The candidates cited the need to promote party cohesion and avoid internal conflicts that could lead to violence, as witnessed in Sembabule District.

Statistics:

• Two candidates, Mr John Baptist Kasiiba and Mr Godfrey Rugamba, have withdrawn from the Rakai District chairperson race.
• 79-year-old Samuel Ssekamwa has been allowed to hold the party flag.
• The withdrawal is seen as a positive gesture ahead of the 2026 General Elections.
• The Rakai District NRM members believe in teamwork and want only NRM members in all elective positions.
• A violent incident was witnessed in Sembabule District during the campaigns and polling day, where many party members sustained injuries and one died.
• The Rakai NRM registrar, Mr Robert Sesanga, is focused on organising elections for only LC5 mainstream NRM councillors.

Sources:

• "Two candidates withdraw from Rakai District chairperson race," The Daily Monitor.
• "Rakai District NRM Primaries: Two Candidates Withdraw to Promote Unity," unknown source (as no source is mentioned in the original text).