Kole, Uganda | Former Kole North parliamentary aspirant, Awongo Patrick Ogwal, has announced his withdrawal from the 2026 parliamentary race, pledging full support to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) flag bearer and President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
In a statement issued on Monday, Ogwal expressed his gratitude to the NRM leadership at all levels, praising the Central Executive Committee, National Executive Committee, and grassroots mobilisers for what he described as exceptional commitment during President Museveni’s recent campaigns in the Lango Sub-region.
He commended President Museveni for his “visionary leadership,” attributing Uganda’s stability and socio-economic progress to the President’s guidance and resilience.
Ogwal said his decision to withdraw is based on consultations and advice from President Museveni and senior party leaders.
Ogwal admitted dissatisfaction with the NRM primaries in Kole North, stating the process did not reflect full transparency, leading to his second-place finish. He initially considered running as an independent candidate.
However, he said he has withdrawn his candidature in favour of Dr. Samuel Opio Acuti, the NRM flag bearer, to preserve unity and consolidate support for President Museveni’s re-election bid in 2026.
Ogwal congratulated all NRM candidates who secured nominations, including local council leaders and Members of Parliament.
He singled out Speaker of Parliament Rt Hon Annet Anita Among and Deputy Speaker Rt Hon Thomas Tayebwa, both of whom were nominated unopposed, describing their uncontested victories as a sign of the NRM’s national strength.
He reiterated his commitment to mobilising support across Lango Subregion, saying he will deploy his political structures, originally formed under the MK Movement, now aligned with the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), to rally votes for President Museveni and NRM candidates.
He reaffirmed his allegiance to the NRM and emphasised that his focus will now be on strengthening the party’s mobilisation machinery to ensure victory in the 2026 general elections.
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