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Nakaseke, Uganda | THE INDPENDENT | The race for Nakaseke North Parliamentary seat has taken a significant turn following the decision by Businessman Brian Kabuura to halt campaigns ahead of the 2026 general elections.
Kabuura, who has been campaigning for two years alongside Professor Wilber Ahebwa, Chairperson of the Greater Ngoma Development Foundation, had sought to unseat the incumbent MP, Enock Nyongore, both supporters of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party.
Nakaseke North Constituency includes the sub-counties of Kinyogogga, Ngoma, Kinoni, and Ngoma Town Council. Aspirants had engaged in extensive community outreach, making donations to churches, schools, health centers, and empowerment groups to garner support. The political landscape had already been divided into various camps.
However, on Sunday, Michael Nuwagira Kaguta, President Yoweri Museveni’s brother, intervened during a meeting at Jojo Gardens in Ngoma Town Council. He persuaded Kabuura and his supporters to end their early campaigns and rally behind Nyongore in the interest of party unity.
Nuwagira revealed that his mediation was requested by area elders, who feared that competition between NRM party members could create divisions and open the door for opposition parties to win the seat in 2026. Nuwagira emphasized the importance of avoiding divisive internal conflicts, which could undermine the NRM’s hold on constituencies. He stressed that party cohesion was necessary to ensure continued support for both Nyongore and President Museveni in the upcoming elections.
Kabuura, in an interview, confirmed his decision to halt his early campaign, stating that it was motivated by a desire to promote unity and respect for the party’s goals. He denied any monetary or job-related incentives for his withdrawal, adding that part of the agreement allows him to contest again in the 2031 elections.
In the same breath, Kabuura expressed his long-term commitment to serving his constituency and vowed to make a comeback in future elections.
Incumbent MP Enock Nyongore welcomed Kabuura’s decision, saying it would boost his campaign as they approach party primaries next year and the subsequent general elections. Nyongore noted that Kabuura would bring along a large number of youth supporters, significantly strengthening his re-election bid. He also dismissed any allegations of bribery, maintaining that the decision was purely an initiative by local elders.
Joseph Kasujja, LC 3 Chairperson of Ngoma Town Council, commented that although Kabuura’s withdrawal was unexpected, it was a wise decision that would prevent internal conflicts and bolster the party’s support base in the area. He praised the use of dialogue as a means to resolve political disputes and strengthen unity within the party.
With Kabuura out of the race, Nyongore will now face Professor Ahebwa in the NRM primaries. Nyongore, one of six MPs unopposed in the 2021 general elections, is reportedly aiming for a similar outcome in the 2026 race. Nakaseke North remains an NRM stronghold, with all major local government positions held by NRM candidates.
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