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Speaker Tayebwa chatting with Rubirizi District LC5chairpersonAgubanshongorireSilvestre in(red )and the NRM flag Obed Agaba
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RUBIRIZI
Rubirizi LC5 Chairperson, Agubanshongorire Silvestre, has officially withdrawn from the 2026 race, ending days of speculation regarding his potential independent candidacy. Agubanshongorire, who narrowly lost the NRM primaries to Obed Agaba, had initially vowed to contest as an independent, citing alleged irregularities in the party electoral process. In the primaries, Agaba garnered 10,038 votes, while Agubanshongorire trailed with 9,650. However, during a meeting held Monday at the Rubirizi District Headquarters and chaired by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa, Agubanshongorire announced his decision to step aside.
“I have chosen to withdraw for the good of the party,”
Agubanshongorire said, emphasizing that maintaining NRM cohesion was more important than pursuing an independent bid.
His withdrawal clears the way for the NRM flagbearer as Rubirizi gears up for the 2026 general elections. Agubanshongorire becomes the second LC5 chairperson in the region to step down in favor of the party line, following Bushenyi LC5 Chairperson Jaffari Basajjabalaba, who recently withdrew for NRM flagbearer Twebaze Prosper.
Deputy Speaker Tayebwa praised Agubanshongorire’s decision, calling it “a mature and unifying move” that strengthens the party and demonstrates true leadership.
Deputy Speaker Tayebwa Re-energizes NRM Grassroots in Rubirizi
Deputy Speaker Tayebwa’s visit to Rubirizi also aimed at mobilizing support for President Museveni and all NRM flagbearers ahead of the 2026 elections. He urged independent candidates to step down for the sake of unity.
“No leaving any NRM supporter behind,”
Tayebwa declared, calling on cadres to stay focused and ensure every supporter is reached.
Speaker Tayebwa chatting with the NRM flag Obed Agaba flanked by colleagues
During the visit, Hon. Cadet Benjamin Buturo, NRM flagbearer for Bunyaruguru Constituency, emphasized unity and reconciliation, urging all contestants to campaign vigorously for the President and to champion full implementation of the NRM Manifesto.
“Let us work together to address challenges such as hunger and local conflicts that threaten party cohesion,”
Buturo said.
NRM Rubirizi Chairperson Manyire Edgar noted that the Deputy Speaker’s visit had boosted morale and strengthened grassroots mobilization for all NRM candidates.
John Twesigye Ntamuhira, MP for Bunyaruguru, said the meeting demonstrated the NRM’s resilience at the grassroots and encouraged all members to support party flagbearers.
Meanwhile, Arinitwe Jeniva Nalongo, Rubirizi Woman MP, urged NRM leaders to intensify voter mobilization, stressing the need for unity between independents and official party candidates.
Haji Muhamadi Katoto Kato, MP for Katerera, highlighted government achievements in economic growth, youth and women empowerment, and job creation, calling on the electorate to rally behind NRM candidates.
Torch Media Africa
