Masindi LCV Chairperson Byaruhanga denies withdrawing from 2026 parliamentary race
He said he was denied an opportunity to address the rally and clarify the matter, but told journalists that he privately informed President Museveni that he remains fully in the race.
Masindi: Masindi District LCV Chairperson, Cosmas Byaruhanga, has dismissed reports claiming he has withdrawn from the Masindi Municipality parliamentary race ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The withdrawal claims surfaced on Wednesday during President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s campaign rally in Masindi District.
While addressing the rally, Speaker of Parliament and NRM Second National Vice Chairperson, Anita Annet Among, told the President that Byaruhanga whom she described as a loyal NRM cadre had stepped down in favour of the party’s endorsed flag bearer.
“The NRM party leadership had engaged Byaruhanga and advised him to step aside in favour of Rogers Byamukama, the party’s endorsed flag bearer for Masindi Municipality, and he has agreed to step down to support the party’s position,” Among said.
However, speaking at a press conference held Thursday evening at Masindi Kolping Hotel, Byaruhanga refuted the announcement, describing it as false, malicious, and intended to tarnish his political career.
He said he was denied an opportunity to address the rally and clarify the matter, but told journalists that he privately informed President Museveni that he remains fully in the race.
Byaruhanga, who is contesting as an independent candidate, revealed that Speaker Among approached him at the rally requesting him to withdraw, but he declined. He expressed shock that she later announced to the President that he had stepped aside.
He urged his supporters to remain calm, insisting he has not withdrawn and remains the right candidate for Masindi Municipality. He claimed the withdrawal narrative is a scheme by rival camps fearful of his popularity and hoping to edge him out strategically.
Byaruhanga has served as Masindi District LCV Chairperson for the past ten years. He recently contested in the NRM primaries for Bujenje County but lost to the incumbent MP, Kenneth Kiiza Nyendwoha.
Five candidates are vying for the Masindi Municipality parliamentary seat in the 2026 elections and they include; Rogers Byamukama (NRM), Joab Businge (FDC), Steven Wandera (NUP), Vincent Tumwesige (Independent) and Cosmas Byaruhanga (Independent).
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